What should patients do before exercising if they have exercise-induced asthma?

Using a pre-exercise bronchodilator as prescribed is crucial for patients with exercise-induced asthma. This type of medication, commonly a short-acting beta-agonist, helps to open the airways and prevent bronchospasm during physical activity. By administering the bronchodilator before exercising, patients can greatly reduce the risk of exercise-induced asthma symptoms, allowing them to engage in physical activities more comfortably and safely.

Proper use of medication allows individuals to maintain their exercise routine, which can be important for overall fitness and health. In contrast, skipping warm-up exercises might lead to increased risk of asthma symptoms, while taking a long-acting bronchodilator may not provide immediate relief for exercise-induced symptoms. Exercising at high intensity without medication could trigger asthma attacks, highlighting the importance of management strategies like using a prescribed bronchodilator prior to exercise.