Information About Exercise And Asthma
If you are one of the many who suffer from asthma, you might be under the impression that you no longer can exercise properly or safely. However, contrary to what many think of this subject, there really are ways that you can get in shape and exercise, even if you suffer from asthma.
So, What Is Asthma, Anyway?
As you may know, asthma is a chronic lung disease which usually has common symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma is not a "disease" which is generally "caught" or contracted, but tends to appear in people who are already genetically, or environmentally, presdisposed to the condition.
Asthma "Triggers"
As with many other health conditions, we can talk about "triggers", or those things which can bring on, or "trigger", an asthma attack. Some of the triggers that may start, or make an asthma 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. Do 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 a bit more about asthma, you may be wondering where exercise fits in. Many doctors will tell you that you should not give up on sports or exercise simply because you have asthma. In fact, regular, moderate exercise can help your breathing and ability to withstand the effects of asthma. However, you DO have to be smart about how you play and take special precautions to avoid asthma attacks.
Most doctors 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, it is probably best to go light with your exercise the next day. However, YOU are a unique individual, even with asthma, and you should discuss your exercise options with your doctor, who will know best what you are capable of, medically speaking.
Exercise Induced Asthma (EIA)
For a situation known as EIA (Exercise Induced Asthma), the symptoms are a bit different than in other asthma attacks, as 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.
Stay on top of your asthma. Take your medication, make healthy lifestyle choices, and be proactive. Don't let it put you in a life of misery, and remember that with the proper precautions and treatment, you can enjoy exercise just like everyone else.
Want to know more? Click here for information on sports nutrition.
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
Webpage Copyright 2023 by Donovan Baldwin
Exercise and Asthma
Page Updated 3:49 PM Saturday, December 9, 2023
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