The most common problem for seemingly fit athletes, both professional and recreational, is exercise-induced asthma, says William Storms, a Colorado Springs asthma specialist, who has worked with recreational and competitive athletes.

Storms estimates 10 percent to 12 percent of competitive athletes have exercise-induced asthma and that it is probably as common among those who jog, work out, hike or bike for fun. In exercise-induced asthma, bronchial tubes constrict, cutting off oxygen flow to the lungs. The person feels tired, may get a side-ache and physical performance drops.

"It is probably underdiagnosed and undertreated," he says. Someone who regularly gasps for breath or coughs after strenuous exertion may have exercise-induced asthma.

Exercise induced asthma comes along with precursors of a subtle sometimes undetectable constricted chest and poor breathing coordination.

There are several exercises for strengthening the breathing without inflaming the lungs or adversely effecting the immediate brain-oxygen need as with "hunger for air" techniques. You can learn them at Optimal Breathing™ workshops and private sessions as well as in the manual and the 

DIET

ENVIRONMENT

ALTERNATIVE HEALING REMEDIES - 
May or may not be helpful.

Netti pots help rid the sinuses of pollutants.

General
Biofeedback Training • Flower Remedies • Guided Imagery • Meditation • Qigong • Yoga 

Aromatherapy: During an attack inhale bergamot, camphor, eucalyptus, lavender, hyssop, marjoram. Try frankincense for calming.

Ayurveda: • Make a tea from one-half teaspoon of licorice and ginger in one cup of water. • To relieve congestion and cough and alleviate breathlessness, try one-quarter cup of onion juice with a teaspoon of honey and one-eighth teaspoon black pepper. • Between attacks you may fortify the body with tonics such as ashwagandha, shatavari, gotu kola, licorice. • The Ayurvedic compound triphala is also recommended.