Study: Exercise Can Lead to Respiratory Issues for Many Americans

03/1/2010

The majority of Americans may be suffering from exercise-induced bronchospasm, which can reduce their quality of life if not addressed properly.

According to a survey by Teva Respiratory at the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, individuals with asthma were more likely to experience this phenomenon. Its symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, noisy breathing and trouble getting breath.

Eighty-two percent of people with asthma experience at least one of the symptoms while exercising, according to the report, with 22 percent suffering from all six. Sixty-five percent of the public, including asthma sufferers, reported experiencing at least one symptom. Still, most have not been diagnosed with EIB.

"Many people don't realize they have EIB because they think these are their body's normal responses to working out," Timothy Craig, a professor at Penn State University College of Medicine, said. "Physical exertion may be the only thing that triggers your symptoms, and in the case of people diagnosed with asthma, it may be one of several triggers."

Education and treatment can help improve this condition for those with and without asthma.

Individuals with a chronic condition like asthma cannot be denied health insurance coverage under a group plan or required to pay more. Those with individual plans may experience an exclusion period.

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