Hyperpnoea-Induced Bronchoconstriction (HIB)

HIB, also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, is a closing or narrowing of the airways when someone breathes faster than normal (hyperpnea). HIB may be caused by a loss of heat or water from the airways or breathing in dry air during exercise or exertion.

Quick Answer

What it is

HIB, also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, is a closing or narrowing of the airways when someone breathes faster than normal (hyperpnea). HIB may be caused by a loss of heat or water from the airways or breathing in dry air during exercise or exertion.

Key findings

  • Grade N/A: Airway Inflammation Markers (Fish Oil)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Hyperpnoea-Induced Bronchoconstriction (HIB)

  • Supplements Studied:1
  • Research Trials:1
  • Total Participants:16
  • Top Supplement:Fish Oil (C)
1 trials
16 ppts
1 supps · 1 outcomes

Evidence-Based Protocol

Supplement stack ranked by research quality

Moderate Evidence

Primary Stack (Tier 1)

500-1500mg taken 1 hour before exercise

May reduce exercise-induced bronchoconstriction severity; antioxidant that protects airways

8 studies | 400 participants
3-5g EPA+DHA daily

Anti-inflammatory; may reduce airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction severity

10 studies | 500 participants

Supporting Stack (Tier 2)

3-6mg/kg body weight 1 hour before exercise

Mild bronchodilator; may reduce EIB severity when taken before exercise

6 studies | 200 participants
2000-4000 IU daily

Supports immune function; deficiency associated with worse asthma/EIB outcomes

6 studies | 300 participants
30mg daily for 1 week before athletic events

Antioxidant; some studies show reduced EIB severity

4 studies | 100 participants
300-400mg daily

Bronchodilator properties; supports smooth muscle relaxation

5 studies | 150 participants

How It Works

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), also known as hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction, is a temporary narrowing of the airways that occurs during or after exercise. It affects about 10-15% of the general population and up to 90% of people with asthma.

WHAT HAPPENS:

During intense exercise, rapid breathing causes the airways to cool and dry out. This triggers inflammation and muscle spasm in the airways, making it harder to breathe.

SYMPTOMS:

Shortness of breath during/after exercise
Coughing
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Decreased endurance
Longer recovery time

TIMING:

Symptoms typically start 5-10 minutes into exercise
Peak at 5-10 minutes after stopping
Usually resolve within 30-60 minutes
"Refractory period": reduced symptoms if you exercise again within 2-3 hours

TRIGGERS:

Cold, dry air (winter sports, ice rinks)
High-intensity exercise
Prolonged exercise
Poor air quality/pollution
Allergen exposure
Respiratory infections

STANDARD TREATMENT:

Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA): Albuterol 15-20 minutes before exercise (most effective)
Daily controller medications: If frequent symptoms or underlying asthma
Warm-up: 10-15 minutes of warm-up can induce refractory period

EXERCISE MODIFICATIONS:

Warm up gradually before intense exercise
Cover nose/mouth in cold weather (scarf, mask)
Choose indoor or warm/humid environments when possible
Breathe through nose when possible
Swimming is often well-tolerated (warm, humid air)

* Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce airway inflammation.

* Vitamin C taken before exercise may reduce EIB severity.

* Caffeine has mild bronchodilator effects.

Expected timeline: Supplements taken regularly may reduce EIB severity over weeks. Pre-exercise supplements (vitamin C, caffeine) work acutely.

Generated from peer-reviewed researchSchema v2.0

Supplements for Hyperpnoea-Induced Bronchoconstriction (HIB)

Sorted by strength of evidence

Detailed Outcomes

?
Airway Inflammation Markers
1 study
Improves

Research Citations (100)

A comparison of the effects of n-3 fatty acids from linseed oil and fish oil in well-controlled type II diabetes
PMID: 8732710
Effect of omega 3 fatty acid on plasma lipids, cholesterol and lipoprotein fatty acid content in NIDDM patients
PMID: 9028717
Dietary supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid, but not with other long-chain n-3 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, decreases natural killer cell activity in healthy subjects aged >55 y
PMID: 11237929
Metabolic and endocrine effects of long-chain versus essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in polycystic ovary syndrome
PMID: 21640360
DHA-rich oil modulates the cerebral haemodynamic response to cognitive tasks in healthy young adults: a near IR spectroscopy pilot study
PMID: 22018509
Effects of a Small Quantity of omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in NIDDM. A Randomized, Prospective, Double-Blind, Controlled Study
PMID: 8112187
Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids Attenuate Progression of Albuminuria in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease
PMID: 28710178
Early impact of prescription Omega-3 fatty acids on platelet biomarkers in patients with coronary artery disease and hypertriglyceridemia
PMID: 21701167
Fish oil supplementation for primary prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized clinical trial
PMID: 28419884
Intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish does not lower serum concentrations of C-reactive protein in healthy subjects
PMID: 15100717

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