What is the relationship between Asthma and Exercise?

Engaging in physical activities or exercise for people with asthma may result into asthma attacks. This is known as exercise-induced asthma.

Exercise-induced asthma happens when your airways get smaller during exercise, making it hard for you to breathe. You may have asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath during or after physical activity.

Exercise is important, but for people with asthma, it requires careful planning to avoid an asthma episode.

Tips for safe Exercise for asthmatics

The following are ways to stay both active and safe by avoiding asthma attacks: 

1. Consult Your Doctor: Before starting a new exercise routine, get advice from your healthcare provider to make sure your asthma is well-managed and to adjust your medication if needed.

2. Monitor your symptoms. Always be keen to notice any signs of asthma when you engage in exercise. Symptoms can appear during or after you finish exercising

3. Use Prescription Medications as directed: The best way to prevent asthma attacks during exercise is to use your prescription asthma medications as your doctor directs. Always carry your inhaler. If you experience symptoms, stop and use your inhaler immediately to prevent the situation from worsening. If you still experience severe symptoms, end the exercise and seek help. 

4. Choose Low-Intensity Activities: Do exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling, which are generally less likely to trigger symptoms. Start with less intense activities and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness improves. This helps prevent overstressing your lungs and reduces the likelihood of triggering an asthma attack.

5. Warm Up and Cool Down: Always start with a gentle warm-up and finish with a gentle cool-down to prepare your lungs for exercise and help them recover afterward. You can do warm up for between 6 to 10 minutes before an exercise routine. Always consult your health provider to recommend an appropriate warm up routine for you.

6. Monitor Environmental Conditions: Observe the air quality, temperature, and pollen levels. If conditions are unfavorable such as high pollen counts, cold or dry air, or smoke and fumes, consider exercising indoors to reduce the risk of worsening your asthma.

7. Wear Protective Gear: In cooler weather, wearing a scarf over your mouth or face mask can help keep cold air out of your lungs and reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

8. Listen to Your Body: Avoid pushing too hard. If you experience wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, stop exercising and use your inhaler. Take a rest when you feel the symptoms persist. Normally, your symptoms should improve after about 30 minutes rest. However some people experience ‘late phase’ symptoms where the symptoms return for up to 12hours after finishing the exercise.  

9. Avoid exercise when recovering from Respiratory illnesses. When you are asthmatic, do not exercise when still recovering from cold/flu or other respiratory illnesses. 

N/B: You can use the above tips to create a healthy exercise plan and ensure you can engage in exercise without worsening your asthma.