• Regular exercise is important for everyone, especially if you have asthma.
  
  
• More than 1 in 10 Olympic athletes have asthma.
  
  
• When asthma is well controlled, asthma should not limit exercise.
  
  
• To help decide if asthma is a problem when you exercise, ask yourself “What gets tired first, my lungs or my body?”
  
  
• For some people, an exercise test may help to confirm if exercise is a trigger for their asthma.
  
  
• People with asthma can do almost any activity they like, but should not scuba dive.
  
  
• If asthma stops you from being active, your asthma is out of control. See your doctor.
  
  

Asthma Symptoms During Exercise

• Symptoms may include cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and/or a tight feeling in the chest.
  
  
• Asthma symptoms can start during exercise or 5-10 minutes following exercise.
  
  
• Prolonged exercise (eg. running, biking or soccer) is more likely to cause symptoms than short bursts of exercise (eg. volleyball or tennis).
  
  
• Exercise in a warm, humid environment (eg, swimming) may be less likely to cause symptoms.
  
  
• If you have asthma, exercise can cause symptoms, but exercise does not cause asthma
  
  

Exercise Facts

• Exercise makes your heart, lungs and muscles more fit.
  
  
• Anytime you use your body for hard work, it is exercise.
  
  
• Being short of breath is normal when you exercise. When you stop exercising, the shortness of breath should go away.
  
  

Asthma Facts

• Asthma is a chronic condition of the airways in the lungs.
  
  
• Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.
  
  

Preventing Asthma Symptoms When You Exercise

• A warm-up that has a short burst of exercise about 30 seconds long, repeated 3-5 times before exercise, may help prevent symptoms when you are active.
  
  
• Using your reliever medicine 5 to 15 minutes before exercise may prevent or decrease symptoms.
  
  
• If possible, breathe through your nose instead of your mouth when you exercise.
  
  
• Avoid exercise outside when air pollution is bad.
  
  
• When you exercise outside in cold air, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or neck warmer.