Information About
Exercise And Asthma
If you
are one of the many people who suffer from asthma, you might believe
that you can't exercise properly or safely. However, contrary
to what many think of this subject, there are ways that you can get in
shape and exercise,
even if you suffer from asthma.
So, What Is Asthma, Anyway?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that usually has such symptoms as
coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Asthma is not something which is generally "caught" or contracted, but
tends to occur with people who are already genetically or
environmentally presdisposed to the condition.
Asthma "Triggers"
Triggers are things which can bring on an asthma attack. Some
of the triggers that may start or make an attack worse include exposure
to allergens, viral respiratory infections, airway irritants, exercise,
and exposure to things such as dust mites or cockroaches.
You can help prevent asthma attacks by doing the following:
1. Be sure to bathe your pets weekly.
2.
Don not smoke or permit others smoking in your
home.
3.
When mold or pollen counts are high (on the news), you should stay
inside in air conditioning.
4.
Wash bedding and any stuffed toys at least once
per week...in hot water.
5.
Wash your hands every chance you get,
especially if you have been out in publc.
6.
Get your flu shot annually.
7.
Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose in the
winter months.
8.
Be proactive. Learn to know your
triggers and how to avoid them.
What About Exercise?
Now that you know what you know about asthma, you may be wondering
where exercise fits in. As most doctors will tell you, you
should not give up on sports or exercise. In fact, regular,
moderate exercise can help your breathing and ability to withstand the
effects of asthma.You just have to be smart about how you
play and take special precautions to avoid attacks.
Almost all doctors will agree that the best way to prevent attacks
during exercise is to keep your inhaler and medication close
by. However, you should never use the inhaler more than 3
times during a game or exercise session. If you have been up
the previous night with a coughing and wheezing event, itis probably
best to go light with your exercise the next day. You should
discuss your exercise options with your doctor as he or she will know
best what you are capable of, medically speaking.
Exercise
Induced Asthma
For a situation known as EIA (Exercise Induced Asthma), the symptoms
are somewhat different in the fact that they appear after 6 - 10
minutes of exercise and will often be worse in cold or dry air.
Even if you have EIA, there are still several activities that you can
enjoy such as swimming, walking, biking, downhill skiing, and team
based sports. There are many activities for you to choose
from, to ensure you get the exercise you need as well.
It Is a
Real Condition
Always keep in mind that asthma isn't "all in your head", it is a real
physiological medical condition that will require treatment to prevent
and treat. Even though your doctor will be your best friend
in treating asthma, you are the one who can prevent your
symptoms.
Always be smart, take your medication, and be proactive.
Don't let it put you in a life of misery, and remember that with the
proper precautions and treatement, you can enjoy exercise just like
everyone else.
Want to know more? Click here
for an in-depth article on performance nutrition.
While I do not normally recommend diets themselves, healthy eating is
important to any health, fitness, or weight loss program. Click Here
to learn more about Diet To Go
meals.
P. S. If you want to learn more about why Diets Don't Work,
please click here.
If you want to learn how to burn fat, a great book to read is Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle by Tom
Venuto
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