Asthma and Exercise

People with asthma already have hypersensitive airways. When exposed to certain stimuli, these airways react by contracting or tightening, also known as bronchospasms. When we exercise vigorously, we tend to breathe in and out of our mouth, and our breathing becomes deeper and quicker meaning you breathe in colder, drier air. This makes the muscle around the airways tighten and your airways become narrow, making breathing more difficult. As a result even people who aren’t necessarily diagnosed with asthma may show asthma symptoms. Some symptoms are having tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing, shallow breathing and shortness of breath. But that doesn’t mean that you cannot exercise. Many well-known athletes have managed their asthma to successfully compete in their chosen sports. With proper medical supervision, patients with asthma can train for any sport. Stop-and-go exercises such as wrestling, weight training, softball and d

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Your doctor may change your exercise and treatment plan to help you more effectively manage your asthma.

• When exercising indoors, stay away from open windows and doors to limit contact with outdoor allergens. If you still continue to have symptoms that don’t improve or they get worse then call an ambulance immediately.

There are a variety of ways to treat exercise induced asthma.

• Avoid outdoor exercise in cold, windy weather or when pollen counts are high.

With appropriate preventive measures, asthma can be well controlled and exercise doesn’t need to be avoided or limited. This can help you to recognize warning signs of an asthma attack and take the right steps to treat it before it gets worse. An exercise program should be planned in consultation with a physician. In fact, people with asthma cope better and have fewer attacks of asthma if they are fit. The doctor can advise which activities may provoke asthma or other allergic symptoms, and how to treat the symptoms. Asthma is a serious condition when it’s reached that point.

People with asthma or with only exercised induced asthma should be able to participate in almost any sport or exercise. Before agreeing such a plan, you may be asked to keep a daily record of your symptoms, possible triggers and your asthma medications. Only return to exercise if you can breathe easily and are free of asthma symptoms.

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