People with asthma often have concerns about exercising and are unsure whether physical activity is safe for them. In this article, Saednews will discuss how individuals with asthma can safely exercise.
Exercising can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms, but this doesn’t mean that people with asthma should avoid exercise altogether or miss out on the benefits of physical activity. Individuals with asthma should assess their exercise tolerance to determine what level of exercise doesn’t trigger respiratory attacks. They can elevate their heart rate, build muscles, and improve overall fitness through exercise. Asthma patients should know that there are various types of exercise, and they need to find a form of exercise that doesn’t cause discomfort. Asthma is a controllable condition, and when a person is receiving treatment and taking their medication regularly, the chances of an asthma attack are reduced, so there’s no need to avoid exercise. The best approach for athletes with asthma is to choose activities that have both exercise and rest periods. For example, sports like volleyball, where you can rest between sets, are suitable. Swimming doesn’t pose a problem for asthma patients because it’s done in a humid environment. Asthma patients should warm up their bodies before exercise to prepare for physical activity. If exercising in cold or outdoor environments, it’s recommended to wear a mask. Always consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine.
Get to know your condition well and identify the factors that trigger your asthma. Environmental factors can worsen asthma. Try exercising indoors with closed windows and doors. If you’re exercising outdoors, avoid places like parks or roadsides.
People with asthma should avoid strenuous exercise in dry conditions. Humid environments make exercise easier for people with asthma, so activities like swimming are better than skiing. When exercising outdoors, breathe through your nose. Air entering the lungs through the nose is filtered.
Endurance and energy-draining activities like basketball are not suitable for asthma patients. Exercises such as yoga, Pilates, and light walking are better suited for individuals with asthma.
Consult Your Doctor: Talk to your doctor about your exercise routine. Warm up for 15 minutes before exercising and cool down for 15 minutes after exercise.
Always Carry Your Medication: Never leave home for exercise without your medication.
Don’t Force Yourself to Exercise: If your asthma symptoms appear, postpone exercise. Avoid exercising in extreme conditions.
In addition to choosing easier activities, here are some tips to reduce asthma symptoms:
Use your inhaler (asthma spray) before exercising. Your doctor may prescribe a pre-exercise inhaler. These sprays relax your airways and make breathing easier during physical activity.
To maintain long-term asthma control, follow your prescribed treatment. If pre-exercise inhalers don’t control your symptoms, you may need additional medication such as oral medications or extra inhalers that reduce airway inflammation.
Always warm up before exercising and cool down gradually after your workout. Never start or stop exercise abruptly.
Use a mask or scarf. If the outdoor air is cold and you plan to exercise outdoors, cover your nose and mouth. Cold, dry air narrows the airways.
Minimize exposure to pollution or pollen. If you are allergic to pollen, exercise indoors or in environments where pollen levels are low. Also, choose exercise locations with minimal air pollution during smoggy conditions.
Avoid activities that require constant movement, such as basketball, soccer, and long-distance running, which can put pressure on your lungs, especially if your asthma is not well-controlled.
Avoid cold-environment sports like ice hockey or skiing.
In addition to physical activity, certain breathing exercises can help alleviate asthma symptoms. These exercises open up the airways, bring fresh air into the lungs, and reduce the effort needed to breathe. Examples of breathing exercises beneficial for asthma include:
Diaphragmatic breathing or abdominal breathing
Breathing through the nostrils
Pursed-lip breathing
Note that these exercises are not a replacement for prescribed medications. Continue your treatment plan while using these techniques to control asthma symptoms, especially during exercise.
Exercising with asthma can be challenging because certain physical activities may worsen symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. However, by following the tips mentioned above, you can exercise safely without exacerbating your condition. I hope this guide on exercising for asthma patients has been helpful, and feel free to share it with those who prioritize their health. For more valuable content, you can visit the sports section of Saadnews. Thank you for your support!
