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Exercise and Asthma
Asthma is a lung disease that is usually chronic and can be
life-threatening, if not managed properly. With proper
management, most people
can lead a normal, active life.
 During an
asthma attack, the air passages in the lungs become narrow or blocked
by mucus or a muscle spasm. Asthma attacks can be triggered by
allergens such as
pollen, animal dander, molds, fungi, chemicals in certain foods, and house dust.
Irritants such as tobacco smoke, smog, exhaust fumes, household cleansers, and
other chemicals may also cause asthma attacks. Even sudden changes in
temperature or humidity, strong winds, and strenuous exercise may trigger
attacks.
Seventy percent of all asthmatics suffer, to some degree, from
exercise-induced
asthma. Exercise can often trigger asthma since you're breathing rapidly through
your mouth. This air reaches the bronchial tubes without being warmed and
humidified by passing through the nose. This cold and dry air can trigger
asthma.
However, most women who have mild to moderate asthma can participate or excel in
sports, if their asthma is properly managed.
Suggestions for making workouts more comfortable for asthmatics are:
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Consult with your physician before beginning an exercise program.
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Perform a 5 to 10 minute
warm-up before vigorous exercise.
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Work out slowly for the first 10 - 15 minutes, keeping your
heart rate below 140
beats per minute. Activities which require vigorous exercise (heart rate above
170 beats per minute) lasting longer than five minutes without any breaks
generally cause an asthmatic to be more prone to an asthma attack. Often an
exercise-induced asthma (EIA) attack doesn't occur during exercise, but within 5
to 10 minutes following exercise.
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 Some activities are easier on asthmatics than others.
Swimming is usually okay,
but distance running really takes its toll. Besides, exercising in a warm, humid
environment, such as a heated swimming pool, usually reduces the risk of
exercise-induced asthma.
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 Take precautions when exercising in cold climates or when
pollen levels are
high. During cold winter months, limit outdoor
exercise, or try breathing
through a scarf or mask. (Cold, dry air greatly increases the risk of an
exercise-induced asthma episode.). Air pollutants or pollen levels are highest,
during rush hours and early morning hours.
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Perform a graduated 10- to 30-minute
cool-down after
vigorous exercise. This
allows the temperature changes in the airways to occur gradually and reduces the
risk of exercise-induced asthma.
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Avoid strenuous exercise when suffering from a cold or other respiratory
infections.
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Sometimes using an inhaled medication prior to exercise can keep your airways
open and allow you to lead a fully
active lifestyle.
Swimming is probably the best choice for asthmatics or anyone who suffers
bronchospasm, for several reasons:
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The pool atmosphere is warm and humid with no great seasonal variation.
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The exercise involved results in toning of
upper body muscles, which aids
respiration.
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The horizontal position may help to move mucus from the bottom of the lungs,
helping to reduce airway congestion.
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A benefit of regular exercise for asthmatics is that it allows them to make a
daily assessment of their lung capacity.
 When their condition is under control, people with asthma are able to
participate in most sports. Those in which activity is intermittent, such as
golf, gymnastics and short track-and-field events, are usually less of a problem
than those requiring continuous activity, such as football, squash, hockey and
long-distance running. Cold weather sports, such as cross-country, skiing and
ice hockey, are also more likely to cause bronchospasm. This doesn't rule out
these sports, however. It just means more attention should be paid to
proper
training and
medical treatment.
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