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Don't Let Asthma Chill Winter
Fun
Don't let asthma put the chill on your winter fun.
Cold air can cause problems for people with asthma when
they're skating, snowboarding, skiing or taking part in
any other outdoor winter activity. The best way to control
exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is to prevent it, Dr. Sally
Wenzel, of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center,
says in a prepared statement.
People with asthma should use their asthma inhalers before
they exercise and they need to make sure they do a proper
warm-up.
"Just break a light sweat, then stop exercising. After
about 30 minutes start exercising. Later you'll have some
added protection because the body produces chemicals that
protect against bronchospasm. You still should take beta-agonists,
which open airways," Wenzel says.
Coughing and wheezing, rather than shortness of breath,
are signs that you may have EIA.
"If a person starts coughing and wheezing after exercise
this could be a sign he or she is developing asthma. A person
with these symptoms should be seen by a physician,"
Wenzel says.
Here are some tips on how to prevent EIA while you enjoy
winter sports:
Wear a mask or scarf to warm cold air before breathing
it in.
Take asthma medication 15 to 30 minutes before starting
your activity.
Warm-up for 30 to 60 minutes beforehand, then stop.
Here's where you can learn more about exercise-induced
asthma.
Article Source: HealthDay
Article Author: N/A
Net Reference 101
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