Individuals with asthma often have concerns about exercising and whether it is safe for them. Saed News will provide guidance on how people with asthma can exercise safely.
Exercising can exacerbate asthma symptoms, but that doesn't mean people with asthma shouldn't exercise or can't benefit from it. They need to assess their exercise tolerance and determine the amount of exercise that doesn't trigger asthma attacks. By exercising, they can raise their heart rate, build muscle, and improve physical fitness.
Asthma patients should understand that exercise comes in various forms, and they need to find the type that isn’t bothersome for them. Asthma is a manageable condition, and if treated and medications are taken regularly, the likelihood of an asthma attack is reduced, and there's no need to give up exercise.
The best approach for athletes with asthma is to choose exercises that alternate between activity and rest periods. For example, sports like volleyball, which allow for rest between sets, are suitable. Swimming is also a good option since it takes place in a humid environment.
Asthma patients should warm up before exercising to prepare their bodies for physical activity. If exercising outdoors or in cold weather, wearing a mask is advisable. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
Understand your condition and identify factors that trigger your asthma. Certain characteristics can exacerbate asthma. Try exercising indoors with doors and windows closed. If exercising outdoors, avoid places like parks or near roads.
People with asthma should avoid dry conditions. A humid environment makes exercise easier. Therefore, activities like swimming are better than skiing. When exercising outdoors, breathe through your nose to filter the air entering your lungs.
Endurance sports and activities that require a lot of energy, like basketball, are not suitable for asthma patients. Exercises like yoga, Pilates, and light walking are more appropriate.
Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your exercise plan with your doctor. Warm up for 15 minutes before and cool down for 15 minutes after exercising.
Always Have Your Medication: Never leave the house for exercise without your medication.
Don't Force Yourself: If you experience symptoms, postpone your exercise. Avoid exercising in harsh conditions.
Use an Inhaler Before Exercise: Your doctor can prescribe a pre-exercise inhaler to relax your airways, making breathing easier during physical activity.
Follow Your Treatment Plan: To keep asthma under long-term control, stick to your treatment plan. If pre-exercise inhalers don't control your symptoms, your doctor may recommend other medications, such as oral medications or additional inhalers to reduce airway inflammation.
Warm-Up and Cool Down Gradually: Always warm up before and cool down after exercising. Never start or stop exercising suddenly.
Use a Mask or Scarf: In cold weather, cover your nose and mouth to prevent dry, cold air from constricting your airways.
Avoid Exposure to Pollutants or Pollen: If you're sensitive to pollen, exercise indoors when pollen levels are high. Choose less polluted areas for outdoor workouts during high pollution times.
Avoid Continuous Activity Sports: Steer clear of sports like basketball, soccer, and long-distance running, which put constant pressure on your lungs, especially if asthma is not well-controlled. Also, avoid sports performed in cold environments, like ice hockey or skiing.
In addition to physical activity, some breathing exercises can help reduce asthma symptoms by opening airways, bringing fresh air into the lungs, and reducing the effort needed to breathe. Examples of suitable breathing exercises for asthma include:
Diaphragmatic or Belly Breathing
Nasal Breathing
Pursed-Lip Breathing
Remember, these exercises do not replace prescribed medications; continue your treatment while using these exercises to control asthma symptoms, especially during exercise.
Exercise can be challenging for asthma patients since some activities exacerbate symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Follow the mentioned tips during exercise to avoid complications. I hope you enjoyed this guidance for asthma patients during exercise. Feel free to share it with anyone who cares about their health. For more related content, visit the Saed News sports section. Thank you for your support!
