Asthma and Exercise

Having asthma doesn't mean you can't exercise.

In fact, many Olympic athletes have exercised induced asthma (EIA). The condition is quite common - and quite manageable.

EIA is associated with prolonged, vigorous exercise and/or exposure to cold, dry air. Therefore, certain sports, such as long-distance running, mountain biking, skiing, and soccer are more likely to cause EIA than others. Sports such as hiking, baseball, or doubles tennis, which require short bursts of exertion, are less likely to trigger EIA. Swimming, which exposes the lungs to warm, humid air, is usually a great choice for people with asthma.

Here are some other tips to make exercise easier:

Before exercising, warm up with some gentle stretching and a few minutes of running in place.

In cold weather, take the preventive medications recommended by your doctor about 15 minutes before exercising.

Before and after exercising in cold weather, warm up and cool down with 10 to 15 minutes of mild to moderate activity.

When the weather is cold, it's better to exercise inside a gym or workout room. Many people walk laps at their local mall or go up and down the stairs of their office building.

If you must exercise outside in cold weather, wear a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm and moisten the air. Breathing in through your nose allows the air you take in to be humidified and kept at a constant temperature by your nose's built-in filtering system.

Inhale through the nose while you warm up and cool down.

Cool down gradually.

Test yourself with a peak flow meter before and during exercise for an objective reading on how your body is doing.

Let your doctor know about any exercise-related problems you have. He may prescribe medication for you to take before physical activity.