hi all fellow asthma sufferers -
I also have the diagnosis of EIA (and am a nurse). When I found out I knew what the condition was but thought, "OK, now what?" As stated earlier in the thread asthma is critical when it comes to exhaling and not inhaling.

If I may suggest the following. Find out what your triggers are. For me it is larger weather/humidity changes, smoke, acacia blossoms and emotional stress. If I know that I will be riding under those circumstances I use an inhaler. A byword on inhalers. Most often Albuterol is used - causes big time tachycardia (thats when your heart starts racing) and you can get terrific cotton mouth. I have been using Xopenex with great effect since about a year (no tachycardia, no cotton mouth). Research the side effects well!

When having trouble breathing you want to stop and very consciously start exhaling completely , almost exaggerated, with control. It might feel like your heart will explode in your chest but it is the quickest way to get your breathing back to normal.

Most importantly don't freak out. Asthma is worsened if you panic. Pay attention to your breathing as you go and as you reach maximum effort/exertion, again concentrate on complete exhalation. If you can feel it coming you can slow your pace a bit, control your breathing and be safely on your way.