Protocol · Respiratory/Sports Medicine
Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction Management Protocol
Vitamin C and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the core of this stack, with 4 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction Management.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
6 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,500 mg taken 1 hour before exercise | May reduce exercise-induced bronchoconstriction severity; antioxidant that protects airways | Not graded yet | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 3–5 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory; may reduce airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction severity
| Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Caffeine | Amount listed: 3–6 mg/kg body weight 1 hour before exercise | Mild bronchodilator; may reduce EIB severity when taken before exercise | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily | Supports immune function; deficiency associated with worse asthma/EIB outcomes | Not graded yet | ||
| Lycopene | Amount listed: 30 mg daily for 1 week before athletic events | Antioxidant; some studies show reduced EIB severity | Not graded yet | ||
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily | Bronchodilator properties; supports smooth muscle relaxation | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for the condition on this page. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
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Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
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.