An estimate from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America indicates approximately 20 million Americans suffer from asthma. This condition, which can be treated but not cured, is characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and tightness in the chest. These symptoms can be triggered by breathing in an allergen, cold air or smoke, as well as by exercise. Bicycling is an aerobic exercise that increases your endurance and strength. While it will help you remain physically fit, you should use caution when cycling since exercise could aggravate your asthma.
Exercise and Asthma
Aerobic activities such as cycling can cause an asthma attack, but your tolerance for exercise will increase over time, according to the American Council on Exercise. When your body becomes used to exercising, you will be less likely to experience exercise-induced asthma symptoms. Exercise-induced asthma, or EIA, usually results from high-intensity aerobic activities, so starting with less vigorous exercises will help you build up your tolerance to be able to cycle without inducing an asthma attack.
Your Choice of Exercise
A February 1982 study by Bundgaard et al. published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigations" reported that the type of exercise you undertake does not have a significant impact on the occurrence of EIA. Eleven subjects with EIA were asked to participate in walking, running or bicycling in a controlled environment. Test results showed no difference in the perceived exertion or ventilation of the subjects when doing the different exercises. The researchers concluded that the type of exercise was not important in EIA. This suggests that if cycling is your preferred mode of exercise, you do not have to give it up in favor of an exercise such as walking to avoid EIA.
Your Environment Matters
You may consider the changing scenery as one of the highlights of getting on a bicycle, but if you are asthmatic you will want to pay special attention to where and when you ride. You need to protect yourself as much as possible from any agent that will trigger an attack, including pollen, smog and cold air. Going for a bike ride on a smoggy day would be as unwise as heading out in frigid temperatures. If conditions outside are unfavorable, you may want to try a stationary bike in a controlled environment until outside is more suitable.
Consideration
The American Council on Exercise purports that most asthmatics will benefit from regular exercise and claims this is possible if you follow a few cautionary measures: Talk to your doctor before you begin your exercise regimen; take your medication as directed; warm up before exercising; aim for the lower end of your target heart rate; start slow and increase your intensity over time; rest when your body requires it; take time to cool down. Whether you are using a stationary bicycle or heading out on the road, keep your medication with you, avoid pollutants and stay fit.
References
- Asthama and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma Facts and Figures
- Canadian Lung Association: Exercise and Asthma
- Cycling Fitness Center:Cycling is One of the Best Exercises for Aerobic Fitness
- Pubmed.gov:Exercise-induced asthma after walking, running and cycling
- American Council on Exercise: Exercise and Asthma
