Asthma is a chronic lung disorder that causes your airways to become inflamed and obstructed, making breathing difficult. Asthma may be caused by several different factors and can take the form of a mild irritation or an acute, emergency situation. Exercising with asthma often takes special consideration, and consulting your physician is a wise choice if you want to start an exercise program of any kind.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma is when you have not been diagnosed with asthma, yet display asthma-like symptoms when you exercise. The symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include tightness in your chest, wheezing and coughing about 5 to 20 minutes after you start to exercise.
Exercise Benefits
According to Ohio State University Medical Center, asthma sufferers should not avoid exercise. Asthmatics benefit from regular exercise, as it can improve the function of your airway by strengthening your breathing muscles. It is best to speak to your doctor to figure out what course of action is best and what exercises will benefit your asthma the most.
Recommended Exercises
Exercises that take place in warmer, humid conditions, such as swimming, may offer even more benefit to asthmatics. The horizontal position you find yourself in as you swim may also work to loosen mucous in your lungs. Walking, golf, hiking and cycling are other exercises that may benefit asthmatics.
Control
The way you exercise and prepare to exercise can have an effect on your asthma symptoms. Warming up and cooling down with stretches may help relax your chest and soothe exercise-induced asthma. Breathing in through your nose instead of your mouth may serve to warm up and humidify the air before it enters your airways, reducing symptoms. Pursing your lips into an "O" shape if you breathe through your mouth will make it less dry and cold in your mouth and your airway.
Considerations
Avoiding exercise in cold weather and when allergens or pollution are high will help you avoid problems. Sports that may aggravate your asthma are cold weather sports like cross-country skiing and ice hockey. Long-distance running and other endurance sports may also cause trouble breathing. Contact emergency personnel immediately if you have severe trouble breathing or if your pulse rate rises quickly.
