Free, online tool to track exercise-induced asthma

May 20 2011

Running into breathing problems when you exercise? You may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), commonly referred to as exercise-induced asthma. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) has developed a free, easy-to-use online tool to track your symptoms: MyEIBJournal.org.

With MyEIBJournal.org you can keep a daily log of exercise, symptoms and medication use and create personalized, detailed reports and statistics that can be printed and shared with your allergist. The tool is also accessible through mobile devices.

"If you have breathing problems such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and unusual fatigue when you exercise, it's important to keep track of symptoms," said Dr. John Winder, chair of the ACAAI Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. "This information will help you and your allergist best manage your condition so you can be active and take part in your favorite sports."

Most people with asthma have EIB, but it's also possible to have EIB and not have asthma. An allergist can diagnose and treat both conditions, and treatment will depend on how serious symptoms are and whether you have EIB with or without asthma.

EIB is a condition that affects about 10 percent of people in the United States. More than 24 million people have asthma, and 80 percent to 90 percent of asthma sufferers have EIB. Many people, however, are unaware of having either. The Nationwide Asthma Screening Program (NASP), now in its 15th year, is the ACAAI's public service campaign to identify adults and children who are at risk for undiagnosed or uncontrolled asthma. The program is supported by Teva Respiratory, LLC, and has screened more than 124,000 people, referring more than half for a professional diagnosis.

Both asthma and EIB can be controlled and the first step is diagnosis and treatment, including medication," said Dr. Winder. "If you have breathing problems and don't know the cause or want to make sure you have good control of your asthma or EIB, attend a free screening and find the relief you need."

The Nationwide Asthma Screening Program kicks off in May and continues throughout the year.

SOURCE American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology