People with asthma have what is called a chronic or continuing
problem with their airways, which can become swollen, narrowed,
and clogged with mucus. To make matters worse, common stuff,
like pollen and cigarette smoke, can worsen breathing problems
and cause flare-ups. Most people with asthma (up to 80%) have
symptoms when they exercise. And some people have asthma
symptoms only when they exercise. This is called exercise-
induced asthma (EIA). Interestingly, up to 20% of people who
don't have asthma sometimes develop asthma-like symptoms while
exercising. This is why doctors sometimes call the condition
exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, or EIB
(bronchoconstriction refers to the narrowing of the airways in
the lungs). Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Asthma Symptoms of EIA
include wheezing, tightness or pain in the chest, coughing, and
sometimes prolonged shortness of breath. People with EIA will
often start having symptoms 5 to 10 minutes after they begin
working out. Symptoms usually peak 5 to 10 minutes a