Asthma & Exercise

Exercise Facts

  • Exercise makes your heart and lungs stronger.
  • Exercise increases muscle strength.
  • Exercise improves posture and makes you more flexible.
  • Exercise improves self-esteem, confidence and gives you energy.
  • Feeling short of breath may be normal when you exercise. But when you stop exercising, the shortness of breath should go away.

 

Asthma Facts

  • Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways in the lungs.
  • Children with asthma can lead healthy active lives.
  • Asthma can be different for each person.
  • Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.

 

Asthma and Exercise

  • Regular exercise is important for everyone, especially if you have asthma.
  • People with asthma should be able to do any exercise or play any sports.
  • More than 1 in 10 Olympic athletes have asthma.
  • Exercise may trigger asthma symptoms during or 5-10 minutes after you start exercising.
  • Well controlled asthma should not limit exercise.
  • If asthma stops you from being active, your asthma is out of control. See your doctor.
  • The only exercise people with asthma should not do is scuba dive.

 

Asthma Symptoms During Exercise

  • Don’t start exercising if you are having asthma symptoms.
  • Asthma symptoms may include cough, wheeze, shortness of breath or a tight feeling in the chest.
  • You may have other symptoms such as tiring easily or not being able to keep up with your friends.
  • Prolonged exercise (e.g. running, soccer, hockey) is more likely to cause symptoms than short bursts of exercise such as volleyball or tennis.
  • Exercising in a warm, humid setting (eg. swimming) may be less likely to cause symptoms.
  • If you have asthma, exercise can cause symptoms, but exercise does not cause asthma.

 

Prevent Symptoms By:

  • Keeping your asthma under control.
  • Start exercising slowly. Work up to a more demanding exercise.
  • Always warm up before exercising and cooling down after.
  • Using your reliever medicine 10 to 15 minutes before exercise.
  • Breathing through your nose, if possible, instead of your mouth when you exercise.
  • Avoid exercising outside when air pollution is bad or pollen counts are high. Exercise indoors instead.
  • Covering your mouth and nose with a scarf or neck warmer when exercising outside in cold air.

 

Asthma Allie Says:

"Keep Active!"

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The Children's Asthma Education Centre © 2011