As long as your asthma is under control, exercising will keep you physically fit by enhancing the function of your lungs, strengthening your immune system and keeping you at an optimal body weight. Consult with your primary care provider before starting an exercise routine. Together, you can devise an individualized asthma action plan that will allow you to exercise without fearing exacerbation.
Pathophysiology
Asthma is a long-term disease of your lungs that causes narrowing and inflammation of the airways. Your bronchial tubes are the airways for your lungs. When you experience an asthma exacerbation, they become sensitive and fill up with mucus, making it hard to breath. Symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, asthma affects more than 22 million adults and approximately six million children in the United States as of 2011.
Exercise Induced Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma can be prevented by knowing and learning about your triggers. Cold weather can cause irritation of your bronchial tubes, especially when breathing through your mouth. When running outside, wear a scarf around your mouth and nose. Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. Air is warmed in the nasal passages before it reaches your bronchial tubes. During the spring, you may want to run and exercise indoors if you are allergic to pollen and grass. When exercising indoors at a gym, get to know what types of cleaning products are used and the days cleaning is done to prevent exposure, which can trigger an exacerbation.
Exercising
Warm up before exercising. Walking and swimming are good low-impact exercises that can be performed for longer periods of time. If you want to perform higher-impact exercises, slowly build up time and intensity. Weight training is good as long as you rest between sets. After exercising, perform a cool down routine to slowly lower your heart rate and breathing, which can help to prevent an exacerbation. Taking a warm bath or shower after exercising is also beneficial for your breathing.
Medications
Have your medications close by when exercising. Your primary care physician may advise you to use your short-acting inhaler before exercising as a preventative measure. If you start to experience an exacerbation during exercising, use your short-acting inhaler right away. Using a peak-flow meter can help you modify your exercise routine for a safer workout, especially if you experience severe exacerbations.
