Are you someone who loves to exercise but also suffers from asthma? If so, you are not alone. Many people with asthma struggle to take part in physical activities due to the fear of triggering an asthma attack.
However, it does not have to be this way. With the right guidelines and precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of exercise without worrying about your asthma flaring up.
In this blog, we will explore helpful tips and strategies for managing asthma while engaging in physical activity.
Understanding Asthma and Its Link with Exercise
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by inflammation of the airways, which can make breathing difficult. The most common asthma symptoms include chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Exercise has a complex relationship with asthma. On one hand, physical activity is an essential part of maintaining overall health and well-being, and this includes lung health. Regular exercise can help strengthen the lungs and improve their efficiency, which can be beneficial for managing asthma in the long term.
On the other hand, exercise can also be a trigger for asthma symptoms, a condition known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) or exercise-induced asthma. This happens when the airways narrow during or after exercise, leading to asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Despite this potential challenge, it is essential for those living with asthma to engage in regular physical activity. The key is to manage the exercise carefully to minimize the risk of triggering asthma symptoms.
Guidelines for Physical Activity
By following the guidelines below, you can help control your symptoms and enjoy the benefits of exercise safely:
Warm Up and Cool Down
Start your exercise routine slowly. Begin with a light warm-up before transitioning to more intense activities.
This allows your body to adjust gradually to the increased demand on your lungs and heart. Similarly, cool down slowly at the end of your workout to help your body return to its resting state.
Choose the Right Activities
Some forms of exercise are less likely to trigger asthma symptoms than others. For example, swimming is often a good choice because the warm, humid environment can help keep the airways open.
Carry Your Quick-Relief Inhaler
Be sure to always have your quick-relief inhaler with you when exercising. Use it 15 minutes before starting your workout or as recommended by your provider. This pre-treatment can help prevent asthma symptoms triggered by exercise.
Adhere to Your Medication Plan
If you are prescribed daily controller medicines for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), make sure to take them exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. These medicines can help manage your symptoms and prevent asthma attacks triggered by exercise.
Control Your Breathing
Learning to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth while exercising can help warm and humidify the air, reducing the risk of triggering asthma symptoms.
Consider Indoor Exercise
When the weather is very cold, or pollution or allergen levels are high, consider exercising indoors. These conditions can worsen asthma symptoms, so indoor workouts can be a safer option.
Protect Your Face in Cold Weather
If you do choose to exercise outside during cold weather, wear a scarf over your mouth and nose. Some people also use a special device or mask designed for outdoor exercise in cold temperatures.
This can help warm and humidify the air you breathe, reducing the risk of triggering asthma symptoms.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water—before, during, and after exercise. Dehydration can thicken mucus in the lungs, which triggers asthma symptoms.
Have a Plan
Always have your reliever inhaler with you when you exercise. If you experience asthma symptoms during exercise, stop, take your medication, and rest until the symptoms subside.
Asthma Symptoms in Desoto, TX
Living with asthma does not have to limit your potential for physical activity. With the right guidance and care, you can manage your asthma symptoms and embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.
At Pivot Healthcare Company in DeSoto, TX, we are dedicated to helping our patients navigate their health concerns, including asthma, so they can live life to its fullest.
Our skilled professionals, led by Nurse Practitioner Crystal Capler, provide comprehensive asthma care tailored to your unique needs. We offer personalized chronic disease management services designed to help you understand your asthma, identify triggers, and develop effective strategies to control symptoms.
For more information about us or to make an appointment, call us today at (214) 242-9316 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
