Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction: What It Is and How to Manage It

When you breathe hard during a run, swim, or even a brisk walk, your airways can suddenly tighten—that’s exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, a narrowing of the airways triggered by physical activity, often mistaken for asthma but distinct in its timing and triggers. Also known as EIB, it affects up to 90% of people with asthma and as many as 20% of athletes without asthma, including Olympians. It’s not about being out of shape. It’s about how cold, dry air or pollutants irritate sensitive airways during rapid breathing, causing muscles around the bronchial tubes to contract and restrict airflow.

This isn’t just a nuisance—it can stop you from exercising, which makes your overall health worse. People with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction often feel chest tightness, coughing, or wheezing 5 to 20 minutes after starting activity, peaking around 10 minutes after stopping. Unlike regular asthma, symptoms usually fade within an hour, but without management, they become a barrier to movement. It’s closely linked to asthma trigger patterns, especially in environments with low humidity, high pollen, or cold air. The good news? It’s predictable and manageable with the right prep.

Many of the same strategies used to handle medication side effects or drug interactions also apply here: prevention, consistency, and knowing your limits. Just like tracking vitamin K for warfarin users or using a brown bag review to catch dangerous drug combos, managing EIB means understanding your personal triggers and having a plan. Whether it’s warming up properly, using an inhaler before exercise, or choosing indoor pools over outdoor runs in winter, small adjustments make a big difference.

What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t just random articles—they’re practical, real-world guides on how to protect your body when you’re active. From understanding how medications affect breathing to recognizing when symptoms need attention, these posts give you the tools to move without fear. You’ll learn how to spot warning signs, avoid common mistakes, and stay in control—even when your lungs feel like they’re working against you.