If you suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma, being outdoors can become unpleasant or may interfere with your ability to work out either recreationally or competitively.
Environmental substances such as pollen, dust, mold spores and air pollution can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, post-nasal drip, and runny nose and, in extreme cases, hives, trouble breathing, cough and dizziness. Also, extremely dry air or cold temperatures can cause trouble breathing.
“People who often experience these symptoms may have exercise-induced bronchorestriction or EIB,” said Ed Neuzil, ARNP, PhD and owner of the Allergy Sinus and Asthma Family Health Center in Central Florida. “This happens when the tubes that bring air into and out of your lungs narrow with exercise, causing symptoms of asthma.”
Some people with EIB do not otherwise have asthma, and people with allergies may also have trouble breathing with exercise.
“It is the exposure to triggers that cause the discomfort,” says Neuzil. “So you should know what triggers your symptoms and then try to avoid them in order to not disrupt your exercise routine.”
Neuzil suggests the following:
- Consult with an allergist prior to starting your exercise program to help determine what you may be causing your symptoms.
- Take all allergy and asthma medications as prescribed.
- Breathe through the nose as much as possible when exercising. The nasal passages have natural filters that will help block irritants from getting into your lungs.
- Exercise indoors when pollen counts are high and conditions very dry or cold.
- Always have an inhaler or other prescribed rescue medication with you in case you need it.
- Know your early signs of symptoms so you can stop exercising before they progress to more serious ones.