Asthma and Exercise
A Heathy Combination

The combination of asthma and exercise is a unique and important relationship. Although it is true that  exercising can bring on an asthma attack, it is also a recognized part of any asthma treatment plan.

To understand how the two -- asthma and exercise -- relate, you  have to know why physical activity can bring on an attack. Basically, physical exertion increases your body’s need for oxygen, which makes your breathing faster and harder. This can bring on the feelings of breathlessness, tightness in the chest and wheezing that are associated with asthma attacks.

However, asthma and exercise do not have to be mutually exclusive. Studies have shown that asthma sufferers who exercise regularly report having fewer attacks than when they do not exercise. It is a known fact that an exercise routine improves your overall physical health.

People who have asthma need to discuss  with their doctor the different types of exercise. Before starting an exercise program, asthmatics should be sure that they are already managing their basic disease effectively on a daily basis.

Everybody who exercises should warm up prior to exercising and cool down afterwards. This is the rule whether you are playing a sport or participating in a solitary activity such as walking or cycling. In spite of this advice for safe exercising, many people still skip warm ups and cool downs to cut down the time spent on workout routines. It is particularly critical for those with asthma to be sure to go through the complete warm up and cool down cycles to make their breathing patterns change more gradually. Stretching and walking before and after your more intense workouts can help manage asthma and exercise.

People with asthma, should have all of their medical equipment packed and easily accessible before they start their work-out.

Although a regular workout routine can help manage your medical condition, asthma and exercise don’t always mix. You should not start, continue, change or increase a workout routine if your asthma is not currently under control. Also, you should not exercise if you are suffering from a cold, the flu or allergies that are already having an affect on your breathing.

Always be aware of how you are feeling while working out and stop if you feel symptoms coming on. Make it a habit to wait several minutes after symptoms return to normal before you begin exercising again. Always be in touch with your body and how you are feeling. You can make a sensible exercise regimen a part of your life and a contributor to your overall  health and well being. 

Taking care of yourself when you have asthma is very important, and I hope this article has helped you to understand more fully the relationship between asthma and exercise. Of course, your doctor is your best source of information.

For more information about asthma and exercise, see:

Asthma Exercise - Healthy Taking Certain Precautions