Asthma is a treatable disease that occurs worldwide. It affects all age groups with varying levels of severity. The condition affects the bronchial tubes causing temporary constriction of the airway. Symptoms range from mild coughing to severe shortness of breath requiring life-supporting measures. Most asthmatics with proper medical therapy usually achieve relief of their symptoms and engage in useful exercise programs. Exercise is important for maintaining good lung function in patients with asthma.
Asthma Basics
The tendency for asthma is inherited by multiple genes. Most people do not realize they are at risk for asthma. Many families have one or several members with asthma; even well people can show asthma symptoms under stressful conditions such as after viral illness or cigarette smoking. Inflammation and bronchial constriction are the main features responsible for the most characteristic symptoms: cough and shortness of breath.
Asthma and Lung Function
The constriction of bronchial tubes causes obstruction of airflow. For example, you would not be able to blow out birthday candles on a cake. Also, air is trapped behind the obstruction, which inflates your lungs beyond a safe level. The air trapping makes it hard to take a deep breath, limiting your vital lung capacity. Fortunately, for most asthmatics, medical treatment returns lung function to normal levels.
Exercise and Lung Function
The goal of exercise is to increase strength and endurance, which is true for asthmatic patients too. The lungs are tightly integrated with the heart and are responsible for total body conditioning. To this end aerobic exercises keep the heart, lungs and muscle groups balanced and conditioned. On the other hand, the lungs are part of a distinct muscular pump moving air in and out of the bellows formed by the ribcage. Upper body strength training like pullups and pushups helps fortify these accessory muscles of breathing. Finally, there are devices called incentive spirometers which aid in inspiratory muscle training.
Asthma, Exercise and Special Circumstances
Some asthmatics have a particular condition known as exercise-induced asthma. This commonly occurs after a vigorous aerobic workout in a cold environment. Structured physical activity such as yoga may be more suitable than brisk aerobic routines. In addition, yoga incorporates positions for opening the lungs although not scientifically proven to do so. Special medical attention is required, and workout routines need to be modified to limit bronchial irritation and maintain optimal lung function.
References
- "New England Journal of Medicine"; The Asthma Epidemic; Waltraud Eder, M.D.,et al.; 2006
- "Pediatric Clinics of North America: Integrative Medicine and Asthma"; John D. Mark, M.D.; 2007
- "Mason: Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine, 5th ed: Asthma"; Njira Lugogo, M.D. et al.; 2010
