Symptoms: Exercise-Induced Asthma, Occupational Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus.
This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of
breath.
For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem
that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
Asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often
changes over time, it's important that you work with your doctor to track your signs and
symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.
Symptoms
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma
attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have
symptoms all the time.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
 Shortness of breath
 Chest tightness or pain
 Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
 A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of

asthma in children)
 Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a

cold or the flu
Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:
 Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome
 Increasing difficulty breathing (measurable with a peak flow meter, a device used
to check how well your lungs are working)
 The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often
For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:
 Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry
 Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes,

gases or dust
 Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold
spores, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet
dander)
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency treatment
Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Work with your doctor to determine what
to do when your signs and symptoms worsen — and when you need emergency
treatment. Signs of an asthma emergency include:
 Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing
 No improvement even after using a quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol
 Shortness of breath when you are doing minimal physical activity
Contact your doctor
See your doctor:
 If you think you have asthma. If you have frequent coughing or wheezing that
lasts more than a few days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma, see your
doctor. Treating asthma early may prevent long-term lung damage and help keep
the condition from worsening over time.
 To monitor your asthma after diagnosis. If you know you have asthma, work
with your doctor to keep it under control. Good long-term control helps you feel
better from day to day and can prevent a life-threatening asthma attack.
 If your asthma symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor right away if your
medication doesn't seem to ease your symptoms or if you need to use your quick-
relief inhaler more often. Don't try to solve the problem by taking more medication
without consulting your doctor. Overusing asthma medication can cause side
effects and may make your asthma worse.
 To review your treatment. Asthma often changes over time. Meet with your
doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make any needed treatment
adjustments.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic
Causes
It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a
combination of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors.
Asthma triggers
Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens) can trigger
signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma triggers are different from person to person and
can include:
 Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or
particles of cockroach waste
 Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
 Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
 Cold air
 Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
 Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB,
others) and naproxen (Aleve)
 Strong emotions and stress
 Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including
shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
 Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids

back up into your throat

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Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus.

Asthma signs and symptoms include:

 Chest tightness or pain

 Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

 A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of

 Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a

Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:

 The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often

 Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes,

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency treatment

 Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing

 No improvement even after using a quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol

 Shortness of breath when you are doing minimal physical activity

Contact your doctor

See your doctor:

 Respiratory infections, such as the common cold

 Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)

 Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

 Strong emotions and stress

 Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids

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