Exercising is essential for the overall health of our body, but for people with asthma, exercise may set off some symptoms, including wheezing and breathlessness. However, with proper guidance and treatment, people with asthma can introduce exercise in their daily routine. Physical activities can be more challenging for asthma patients, but it has shown many benefits for them.
According to studies, people with the highest level of physical activity were almost 2.5 times better at controlling their symptoms of asthma as compared to those who didn’t exercise. Exercising can be extremely beneficial as it improves your balance, lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, strengthens your bones, and boosts your mood.
Tips to Exercise Safely With Asthma
Asthmatic patients are more sensitive to extreme temperatures, dust, dry air, and pollution. While resting, the breath we take through nose moistens and filters the air before entering the lungs. But while working out, people mostly breathe through the mouth, which can trigger asthma. Therefore, people with asthma must breathe in through their nose and out through the mouth for better breathing. Some other precautions you must take to avoid asthma symptoms during exercise are:
- Seek doctor’s advice and plan out a safe workout routine
- Avoid environmental triggers
- Reducing exposure to known triggers
- Start with low-intensity workouts
- Do not overexert your body
- Warm-up first
Also Read: What is acute bronchitis?
Benefits of exercise when you have asthma
In general, exercise offers the most diverse health benefits to all, including people with asthma. It is part of a healthy lifestyle. You must aim to work out from about 40-45 minutes, five days a week. Here are some benefits of exercising:
- Strengthens your lungs
- Increases your energy
- Helps you with stress and anxiety issues
- Fewer asthma episodes
- Better quality of life
- Decrease feeling of depression
- Improves asthma control
- Strengthen your heart
- Improves immune system
Exercise-induced Asthma
Some people only discover asthma symptoms while exercising or doing some other physical activities. These symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness. People experiencing these symptoms have exercise-induced asthma (EIA). However, that doesn’t mean they have to hold back from being active. As long as you can manage your symptoms, you can perform any exercise or sports activity.
If you experience more severe symptoms of asthma that you cannot control, seek help from a doctor and visit 24 hour emergency room, in case of an emergency asthma attack.
Best and Worst Workouts for Asthma
Many physical activities trigger asthma right away, and every asthma patient must avoid, but not all are harmful to them. Activities that include a longer period of exertion may not be easy for asthma, including soccer, basketball, running, hockey, etc. Besides, cold-weather sports are also challenging for them like, ice skating and ice hockey.
Sports or physical activities that involve a short burst of exertion are perfect for people with asthma. These activities include volleyball, baseball, yoga, swimming, walking, and biking.
In Final Words
Staying active keeps you healthy and is also essential for your mental health. Nothing should stop you from being active, not even asthma. However, if you experience any distress or discomfort while exercising, just run down to your nearest medical ER 77041, 77018, or 77064.
24 Hour Emergency Room in Houston
Each Life Savers Houston Emergency Room location is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston Emergeny Room for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our 24 hour houston ER locations: Willowbrook Emergency Room, Heights Emergency Room, or Summerwood Emergency Room.
