What is the medical term for shortness of breath during exercise?

Shortness of breath during exercise may result from excessive exercise intensity, inadequate warm-up, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and other conditions. Symptoms can be improved by adjusting exercise intensity, proper warm-up, or medication. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by chest pain or dizziness, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Excessive exercise intensity: When physical activity exceeds the body's tolerance, an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand occurs, leading to shortness of breath and chest tightness. It is recommended to immediately reduce exercise intensity, switch to low-intensity activities such as slow walking, and gradually adjust exercise volume after breathing stabilizes.

2. Inadequate warm-up: Lack of preparation before exercise can disrupt respiratory rhythm, and the muscles and respiratory system may fail to adapt, resulting in shortness of breath. It is advised to spend 10–15 minutes warming up before exercise, including joint movements and regulating breathing rhythm, to avoid sudden strenuous activity.

3. Bronchial asthma: Airway hyperresponsiveness triggered by exercise can cause bronchospasm, leading to shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Patients may use medications such as salbutamol aerosol, budesonide/formoterol powder inhaler, or montelukast sodium chewable tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Chronic bronchitis: Chronic airway inflammation reduces ventilation function. Increased oxygen demand during exercise leads to shortness of breath, often accompanied by long-term cough and sputum production. It is recommended to take medications such as sustained-release aminophylline tablets, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, or cefixime dispersible tablets under medical supervision to alleviate discomfort.

5. Coronary heart disease: Insufficient blood supply from the coronary arteries leads to increased myocardial oxygen consumption during exercise, causing myocardial ischemia, which manifests as shortness of breath along with chest pain and palpitations. Patients may follow medical advice to use nitroglycerin tablets, enteric-coated aspirin tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, and other medications to improve symptoms.

Prior to exercise, conduct a proper physical assessment, choose suitable types and intensities of exercise, stay hydrated during activity, maintain regular breathing, avoid exercising in high-temperature or hypoxic environments, and undergo regular check-ups to monitor cardiopulmonary function.