Being physically active promotes good health. However, people with asthma often shy away from exercise because exercise itself could trigger an attack. This kind of asthma is known as Exercise Induced Asthma (EIA). EIA can be brought under control by following an effective asthma management plan and should not be allowed to interfere with physical activity.
Benefits of exercise for asthma patients:
Just as it helps other people, exercise can help asthma patients to:
- Strengthen their muscles and bones
- Maintain recommended body weight
- Boost the strength of the immune system
Exercise can help asthma patients improve their physical as well as mental health. It induces a feeling of well being and keeps the mind engaged and happy. As it aids in maintaining the right body weight, exercise can also help asthma patients avoid conditions associated with weight gain like diabetes, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol levels, cardiovascular diseases and so on.
Best exercises for asthma patients
Certain factors may trigger an asthma attack if proper attention is not paid. These include the type of exercise, the intensity of exercise and duration of exercise. In general, it is believed that intense activity for more than six minutes in dry, cold and dust laden air could trigger an attack.
Some of the best exercises for asthma patients are those that involve short periods of exertion. Examples include biking, aerobics, walking, cycling, baseball, volleyball and wrestling. Asthma patients in general tolerate swimming very well as it is performed in a warm and moist environment. Being a strong endurance sport, swimming can help patients exercise their muscles effectively, build endurance and lose weight.
On the other hand, activities that require long hours of exertion, as well as those performed in low temperatures, must be avoided. Examples include ice hockey, ice skating, soccer, long distance running and so on.
Experts recommend 30 minutes of exercise 4-5 times a week. However, patients must follow their doctor's recommendations regarding this.
Before starting an exercise program, asthma patients must be aware of the following factors:
- Getting their asthma under control. If asthma is not under control, exercise could prove dangerous.
- Since many people exercise outdoors or in stuffy gyms, it is necessary be protected from triggers of asthma attacks like pollen, dust, smog and so on.
- Prepare the exercise program with the help of a doctor
- Take medications as recommended by the doctor. In case of breathing problems, patients must keep their inhaler ready. Sometimes, doctors may ask patients to inhale from their inhaler or bronchodilator fifteen minutes before their exercise.
- Do not start exercising without warming up. Cooling down is equally important. Do not stop the exercise suddenly. Taper it off gradually.
If a patient experiences Exercise Induced Asthma, they must:
- Stop the activity immediately
- Follow the asthma action plan as recommended by the doctor which generally involves inhaling of a quick relief medication
- Wait for 4-5 minutes
- If symptoms do not return, they may resume activity. If symptoms do return, exercise must be stopped for the day. It is also advisable to visit a doctor.
Exercising and maintaining activity levels is important for asthma patients. Asthma should never be an excuse for avoiding exercise. After all, if famous personalities like Gary Roberts and Sharon Donnelly can win at their sports in spite of asthma, there is no reason why other asthma patients cannot maintain a reasonably high level of physical activity.
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