An ongoing health condition that affects approximately 23 million people just in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma keeps adults and youth from participating actively in many sports, But don't think that it means you can't kick and punch alongside other karate students. In most cases, karate and asthma can peacefully coexist, provided you take your medication regularly and monitor potential symptoms of an asthma attack. Always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program, especially if you've been diagnosed with asthma.
Facts
Asthma is a chronic medical condition characterized by inflammation of the breathing passages, typically resulting in various breathing difficulties, such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Often triggered by air pollutants, viral infections, pollen and an asthma attack can also develop as a result of physical activity in the form of martial arts, including karate, as well as other types of exercise. Called exercise-induced asthma, this type of asthma may develop in individuals with or without a previous history of breathing-related problems.
Significance
Although it's a sport that can require significant physical activity, karate is less likely than most other forms of exercise to trigger asthma attacks, says Tova Navarra, author of "The Encyclopedia of Asthma and Respiratory Disorders." This reduced rate of asthma attacks relates to the air quality and breathing techniques commonly associated with karate. Because karate typically takes place indoors, you usually breathe in warm, humid air rather than the cold, dry air commonly associated with asthma. Similarly, karate involves bursts of activity and controlled breathing rather than the constant activity and increased rate of inhalation that typically occurs for a prolonged time from activities such as cross country running in people who suffer from exercise-induced asthma.
Considerations
If you suffer from asthma, talk to your doctor before taking up karate. Depending upon the severity of your asthma, your doctor may allow you to participate in karate but recommend that you refrain from practicing the sport competitively. Consider taking up another less active form of martial arts such as tai chi before transitioning to karate; this allows you to practice martial arts breathing techniques and movements without engaging in vigorous physical activity. Not only do these movements promote physical activity, but they encourage you to practice controlled breathing, which may be beneficial in improving respiratory function and asthma symptoms.
Prevention/Solution
Asthma typically won't keep you from participating in karate, but you will need to take an active role in keeping this chronic health condition under control to minimize potentially serious attacks. Depending upon the severity of your asthma, your doctor may prescribe daily preventative medication, as well as a rescue inhaler. Take your prescribed medication as directed, paying particular attention to using your rescue inhaler right before each karate session if your doctor recommends doing so to prevent instances of exercise-induced asthma.
References
- EPA.gov: Asthma Facts (pdf)
- "The Encyclopedia of Asthma and Respiratory Disorders"; Tova Navarra; 2003
- "Exercise-Induced Asthma"; Kenneth W. Rundell et al; 2002
- "Action Plan for Allergies"; Dr. William Briner; 2007
