Exercise and Asthma

The Key Points:

Exercise can help reduce your asthma symptoms, this is how you can get started.

  • Firstly, write down what triggers your asthma symptoms. It may be extremely cold air, pollution or time of day. Knowing what triggers you will help you to plan when you should or shouldn’t exercise.
  • If you feel nervous about starting out, reach out to a friend and see if they can join you. It’s best to stay close to home and around a familiar setting. If you have prescription medication such as an inhaler, always ensure to keep that with you or close to you during exercise.
  • Start off slowly and build up the duration and intensity of exercise over a period of a few weeks. Just getting moving is the first big step and will really help to improve your symptoms of asthma.
  • When we all start exercising our breathing rate increases; this is normal as your body needs oxygen for energy. We understand this can feel scary when starting out and feels somewhat similar to what an asthma attacks starts out like. Take your time in these moments, focus on your breathing and slow down if you start to feel uncomfortable.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a lung condition which can cause breathing difficulties. It effects people of all ages, often starting in childhood but can also develop during adulthood.

Exercise and Asthma:

If you have asthma regular exercise is good for your asthma as it improves your overall lung health by increasing your lung capacity, improving your fitness levels and decreasing inflammation in your airways. People with asthma are more sensitive to air temperatures, dry air, allergies and pollution. Knowing what triggers you will help you plan accordingly, exercising mid-morning outdoors when it is not too cold or too warm yet might be beneficial for you. Or staying indoors might be the better option to avoid asthma symptoms being triggered.

What are the best exercises for asthma?

The best exercises for asthma are swimming, yoga, walking and cycling. These exercises have been shown to improve lung function while also improving your fitness levels.

How to get started?

When first getting started, avoid strenuous exercises that increase your breathing rate rapidly or sports that are performed in extreme temperatures such as skiing.

Ensure to take your asthma medication with you or have it close by when exercising. Please talk to your GP before starting a new exercise regime.

References:

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    3. Campbell, A.P. (2017). “DASH Eating Plan: An Eating Pattern for Diabetes Management.” Diabetes Spectrum. 30(2): 76-81.
    4. Bazzano, L.A., Green, T., Harrison, T.N., and Reynolds, K. (2015). “Dietary Approaches to Prevent Hypertension.” Current Hypertension Reports. 15)6): 694-702.