If you experience coughing or difficulty breathing within the first 20 minutes of your workout, you may have exercise-induced asthma (EIA). The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology recommends seeing a doctor to confirm an EIA diagnosis.

The airway of an EIA patient is sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature, and becomes aggravated when the person breathes in cold, dry air, which often occurs during strenuous activities. If you show any symptoms but want to continue your regular exercise, AAAAI recommends hiking, walking or leisure biking as activities that are less likely to trigger EIA.