Asthma and Exercise

by: AimyD
Total views: 32 | Word Count: 390

If you have asthma you probably think you are unable to exercise. Fortunately you are able to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is marked by coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness are all present during episodes of airflow obstruction. Asthma occurs in people who are genetically predisposed to the condition.
Exposure to allergens such as pet dander and other airway irritants such as smoke are a couple examples of what may trigger your asthma. Anti-inflammatory agents (inhaled and pill-formed steroids), and Bronchodilators are medical treatments for asthma.

Being able to control your asthma makes it easier to keep away from the emergency breathing treatments you would have to endure otherwise.

Knowing you can control your asthma also makes it easier to exercise on a regular basis. According to Dr. Jack Becker, chief of allergy and asthma at St. Christopher’s in Philadelphia, you shouldn’t give up on sports or exercise at all. You just have to be smart about how you play, and take special precautions to avoid a flare-up.

Many doctors agree that the best way to prevent an asthma attack during exercise is to have your medication close at hand. You shouldn’t use an inhaler more than 3 times during a game or exercise session, if you have to it’s usually best to just to back off and rest a while. If you are up the previous night with coughing and wheezing, it’s probably best to take it easy during your exercise the next day.

For those of you who have Exercise Induced Asthma or EIA, it is usually best that you stay away from the fast paced exercises like running. Instead try other activities such as swimming, walking, biking, baseball, golfing or surfing. These are recommended over football and basketball because you will have a burst of activity and time to rest, instead of continuous activity.

One thing to remember is that your asthma is not something you made up in your head. It is a real medical condition and needs proper attention. Although your doctor can help you every step of the way, you are the one who will be taking care of your asthma for the rest of your life. So take it easy while exercising and you will be able to manage both your asthma and your fitness.