What are the best exercises for asthma patients?
Asthma is a chronic condition that can lead to breathing difficulties. It affects the airways in the lungs by making them inflamed and swollen. As a result, a person experiences symptoms like coughing and wheezing that make breathing difficult.
There are many triggers of asthma symptoms; sometimes, aerobic exercise can trigger or worsen them. If you get asthma symptoms after exercising, it's called exercise-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).
Also, you can experience EIB even if you don't have asthma.
If you have EIB, you might fear or be hesitant to exercise. But that doesn't mean you should start avoiding your regular exercise. It's also possible for people with EIB to exercise comfortably and efficiently just by taking some precautions and caution.
Regular physical activity or exercise can ease asthma symptoms and help you improve your lung function and health. The vital part is to do the right kind and amount of exercise for asthma. So, here is all the information for you. Explore how exercise affects asthma, what exercises are best, and their effects. Read on to know more.
Can Exercise Stop Asthma Symptoms?
Some types of exercise may help you prevent and reduce asthma symptoms. These exercises help you to make your lungs stronger without worsening your condition. Here are the benefits these exercises may provide you:
Increase endurance: Working out over time can help build tolerance to exercise and prepare your airways for it. It makes it easier for your lungs to perform activities that might be used to make you winded, like walking up stairs.
Reduce inflammation: Asthma can inflame the airways, while regular exercise can ease it. Exercise can reduce inflammatory proteins and improve the airways' response to it.
Improve lung capacity: The more you work out or perform physical activities, the more your lungs use oxygen. So, doing this can help decrease how hard your body struggles to breathe daily.
Strengthen muscle: Exercise will help you build your muscles stronger. With solid muscles, you can efficiently do your everyday activities and improve your body functions.
Improve cardiovascular fitness: Exercising can improve your cardiovascular health and blood flow. It ensures proper oxygen delivery and keeps your overall heart condition healthy.
Breathing exercises
Specific breathing exercises and physical activity would help you reduce asthma symptoms. These exercises help open the airways, allow the movement of fresh air into the lungs, and lower breathing efforts.
Here are examples of breathing exercises for asthma that you can try:
- Nasal breathing
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Pursed lip breathing
However, you should consult a doctor before you start these exercises and keep using your medications if you take them.
Best Exercises for People with Asthma
The best exercises for asthma patients involve brief bursts of activity or gentle, low-intensity movements. These activities work on your lungs and prepare them, making you less likely to face asthma symptoms. But before you choose any exercise, consult with a doctor, listen to your body, and keep on checking on it.
Some of the recommended exercises for Asthma patients are:
Swimming
Swimming is a highly recommended physical activity for asthma. It can provide warm, moist air and low pollen exposure, which reduces the factors responsible for triggering asthma symptoms. However, one must be cautious with chlorinated pools, as they can trigger symptoms for some people.
Walking
Walking is a gentle, low-intensity exercise that is good for the lungs. The best option is to walk outside in warm weather or use a treadmill or indoor track to avoid the dry, cold air that can trigger symptoms.
Recreational Biking
Biking is also a gentle activity that is suitable for asthma patients. You can also do indoor cycling at your convenience.
Hiking
You can enjoy hiking on flat trails, significant trails with slow and steady inclines. Also, check the local pollen count before hiking and choose a day with low pollen levels if you are allergic to them.
Short-Distance Track and Field
Those who like running can perform short-distance activities like sprints. Compared to long-distance running, short-distance running is relatively safe and suitable for those with uncontrolled asthma.
Sports with Short Bursts of Activity
Perform sports activities that involve intermittent breaks as they are gentle on the lungs. It would be best if you consider activities like:
- Volleyball
- Baseball
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Golf
These exercises can help improve endurance, reduce inflammation, increase lung capacity, strengthen muscles, and enhance cardiovascular fitness without exacerbating asthma symptoms.
Other Tips for Exercising with Asthma
While choosing the listed gentle activities, follow these tips to reduce symptoms of asthma:
- Use an Inhaler Before Exercise: If your doctor has prescribed you a rescue inhaler, make sure to use it before exercising. It will help relax your airways, make breathing more accessible, and reduce problems caused by intense exercise.
- Take Long-Term Control Medication: If a pre-exercise inhaler isn't enough for you, consult your doctor. They may prescribe oral medications or additional inhalers to reduce airway inflammation.
- Warm Up and Cool Down: Always warm up before starting exercise and cool down gradually when you're finished. This will help your body adjust and relax.
- Wear a Mask or Scarf: When it's cold, cover your nose and mouth to prevent dry air from tightening your airways.
- Limit Exposure to Pollen and Pollution: Exercise indoors when pollen levels are high or in areas with low pollution to avoid triggers.
- Avoid Continuous Activity Sports: Sports like basketball, soccer, and long-distance running can strain your lungs. Also, avoid cold-weather sports such as cross-country skiing and hockey as they worsen your symptoms.
- Take Breaks as Needed: Rest when necessary to avoid overexertion, and do not overpull your body when you are already feeling discomfort.
- Have a Plan for Asthma Attacks: Consult your doctor about what steps you should take while exercising while having an asthma attack. It will help you stay prepared if you experience any asthmatic symptoms or attack during exercise.
Final Lines:
Asthma, like a chronic condition, might make it difficult for you to breathe. Although exercise may trigger it, incorporating suitable physical activity can help manage asthma symptoms. Gentle, low-intensity exercises like walking, swimming, and biking can improve lung function, reduce inflammation, and increase overall fitness. Before you consider choosing any exercise, consult with your doctor. Also, keep your prescribed medications and follow recommended precautions to enjoy the benefits of exercise while managing asthma safely.