Exercise and Asthma: Can They Mix?

Author: Shannon Miller

If you have asthma, jogging with friends may be possible with the right medication.

Roughly 300 million people in the world suffer from the inflammatory disorder of the airways known as asthma.

If you have been diagnosed with asthma by your healthcare provider, you already know that there are certain triggers that can activate your asthma symptoms.  One trigger can be exercise.  The good news is that by consulting your healthcare provider, you can come up with an exercise plan that won’t cause your asthma to flare up.

Along with the advice provided to you by your doctor, keep these tips in mind:

  • If you are on medication for your asthma, don’t forget to take it.  It can help prevent you from experiencing symptoms while you’re engaging in exercise.
  • Warming up before really getting into your workout can lessen the chances of your asthma getting in the way.  Try walking slowly for 5 to 10 minutes and then doing some stretches.
  • Doing a 10 minute cool down will allow your lungs to adjust to temperature changes and decrease your likelihood of experiencing asthma symptoms.  Seek your doctor’s advice for what to do if you experience symptoms during this cool down period; whatever s/he says should override your wanting to finish your exercise routine.
  • Don’t be too hard on yourself.  If your asthma is giving you trouble, don’t push yourself to exercise.  Start back when you are feeling better.  Take your time getting back to your previous exercise level.

Source: “Know Your Asthma Triggers”,  www.Asthma.com,  3 Feb 2011.

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