I can't help but cry when this happens and sometimes I also feel dizzy. Right through the day after running, my eyes won't stop watering either. I don't want to say anything to mum because she might think I am over reacting but the PE teacher says she thinks it might be exercise asthma. My mum has mild asthma, a lot of allergies and really bad hay fever. Could this be what I think it is? -- B.S., California

The symptoms you describe sound very much like exercise induced asthma. Asthma runs in families, and the fact that your mother has asthma and allergies greatly increases the likelihood that this is what you have as well.

You are not overreacting, and you need to tell an adult who can help you get medical attention from a physician immediately. Untreated, asthma can be dangerous.

But the good news is that exercise induced asthma is usually easy to treat with medicines. Most people can still participate in sports if they take their medicines as prescribed. The sooner treatment is begun, the better your chances of avoiding further complications will be. So there is no reason to put off seeing a physician!

You MUST tell an adult you can trust to get medical help for you. Preferably tell your mum, but if you can't tell her, then tell another adult who will help you get medical attention by a physician. Don't take chances with your health and your life.

See another item I've written about exercise-induced asthma here:
Coughing after running, rapid breathing - could it be asthma?

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