Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a temporary narrowing of the airways during or shortly after physical activity. It can occur in people with asthma and also in people who do not otherwise have asthma. The older term exercise-induced asthma is still used, but EIB is more precise because exercise triggers airway narrowing rather than causing asthma itself.
Symptoms
Symptoms often begin during exercise or soon afterward and may include:
- coughing
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness or discomfort
- unusual fatigue or reduced exercise performance
Cold, dry air can make symptoms more likely because rapid breathing during exercise cools and dries the airways.
Diagnosis
Symptoms alone do not always identify EIB accurately. A healthcare professional may assess asthma control and perform spirometry before and after a bronchodilator. When needed, an exercise challenge or another bronchial challenge test can measure whether airflow decreases after exertion.
Prevention and treatment
Physical activity is beneficial and EIB should usually be managed rather than avoided. Treatment depends on whether asthma is also present and how often symptoms occur.
- Warm up gradually before strenuous activity.
- Follow your asthma treatment and written action plan if you have asthma.
- A healthcare professional may recommend a reliever medicine before exercise.
- Regular inhaled anti-inflammatory treatment may reduce exercise symptoms in people whose asthma requires it.
- In cold weather, breathing through the nose when practical and covering the mouth and nose loosely with a scarf or mask may help warm and humidify inhaled air.
- Consider reducing intense outdoor exercise when air pollution or another known trigger is high.
Needing frequent medication to exercise or having symptoms despite treatment can be a sign that asthma control or the diagnosis needs review.
When to seek urgent help
Stop exercising and follow your prescribed asthma or EIB plan if significant breathing symptoms develop. Seek emergency medical care for severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty, inability to speak normally because of breathlessness, blue or gray lips or skin, confusion, collapse, or symptoms that do not improve with prescribed rescue treatment. Use your local emergency medical service for severe or life-threatening symptoms.
Related topics
Sources
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Asthma Diagnosis
- NHLBI: Asthma Treatment and Action Plan
- CDC: Controlling Asthma
Last reviewed: 4 September 2026. This page provides general health information and does not replace individual medical advice.