How does exercise typically induce asthma symptoms?

Exercise can induce asthma symptoms primarily through exertion triggering acute bronchospasm. During physical activity, especially in individuals with asthma, several factors come into play that can lead to narrowing of the airways.

When a person exercises, the body demands more oxygen, leading to increased breathing rates. This rapid and deep breathing can cause the airways to become cooler and drier, which may irritate the bronchial passages. For individuals with asthma, this irritation can induce an inflammatory response, resulting in bronchoconstriction or acute bronchospasm, where the muscles around the airways tighten, making it difficult to breathe.

This phenomenon is particularly prevalent during activities in cold, dry air, or when exercise is intense. Recognizing this mechanism is vital for asthma management, as individuals can take preemptive measures such as using a bronchodilator before exercise or choosing more suitable environments for physical activity.

The other options do not accurately describe the pathway through which exercise impacts asthma. For instance, muscle fatigue is not a direct cause of asthma symptoms, and increasing airway diameter or enhancing lung capacity does not occur during exercise for someone experiencing asthma symptoms. In fact, the opposite can occur as the airways constrict, leading to decreased airflow and increasing difficulty in