One of the goals of asthma therapy is to maintain a normal, healthy
lifestyle, which includes exercise and other physical activities. Following your
asthma action plan by taking medicines as prescribed by your doctor, avoiding
triggers, and monitoring your symptoms and lung function will help you achieve
this goal.
Asthma should not be used as an excuse to avoid exercise. If asthma symptoms
prevent you from participating fully in activities, talk to your doctor. A
small change in your care plan might be all that is necessary to provide relief
from symptoms with exercise or activity.
Discuss with your doctor an exercise plan that might work best for you. Exercise
should be performed four to five times per week for at least 30 minutes. Activities
that involve short, intermittent periods of exertion — such as volleyball,
gymnastics, baseball, and wrestling — are generally well-tolerated by people with
asthma. Activities that involve long periods of exertion — such as soccer,
distance running, basketball, and field hockey — might not be tolerated, as well as
cold weather sports (such as ice hockey, cross-country skiing, and ice skating).
However, many people with asthma are able to fully participate in these
activities.
Swimming, which is a strong endurance sport, is generally well-tolerated by
many people with asthma because it is usually performed in a warm, moist air
environment. It is also an excellent activity for maintaining physical fitness.
Other beneficial activities for people with asthma include biking (outdoors or
indoors), aerobics, walking, or running on a treadmill.
Tips to control symptoms with exercise:
- Always use your pre-exercise inhaled medicines before beginning
exercise.
- Perform warm-up exercises and maintain an appropriate cool down
period after exercise.
- If the weather is cold, exercise indoors or wear a mask or scarf
over your nose and mouth.
- Avoid exercising outdoors when pollen counts are high (if you
have allergies), and also avoid exercising outdoors when there is
high air pollution.
- Restrict exercise when you have a viral infection.
- Exercise at a level that is appropriate for you.
Maintaining an active lifestyle is important for both physical and mental
health.
Again, asthma should not be used as an excuse to avoid exercise. With proper
diagnosis and treatment of asthma, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of
an exercise program without experiencing asthma symptoms.