Asthma is a lung condition that affected an estimated 26.2 crore people in 2019 and led to 4.55 lakh deaths. It occurs when the airways in the lungs that carry air in and out of your lungs become inflamed and narrowed at times, making it difficult to breathe. Both adults and children can develop the condition, with a higher prevalence among children. According to StatPearls Publishing, up to 40% of children will have asthma, regardless of lung function tests.
Given the nature of the disease and the involvement of the lungs, many people feel that exercising with asthma is not an option. However, that is not the case. In fact, the American Lung Association (ALA) suggests that daily exercise helps improve lung capacity, increases blood flow to the lungs, and promotes blood flow to the heart, which pumps oxygen throughout your body.
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In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rohan R Naick, Consultant Pulmonologist, SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru, says, "For asthmatic individuals, exercising can be safe and beneficial with proper precautions. Before starting any exercise regimen, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to develop a personalised plan."
Let’s take a look at some general exercise tips you should follow if you have asthma:
Warm-Up Is Key
Warming up is a great way to start your workout session. It prepares your body for the exercises ahead and reduces the likelihood of triggering asthma symptoms, says Dr Naick. Warming up also increases heart rate and blood flow, which in turn allows more oxygen to reach the muscles. To prevent asthma symptoms, it is sufficient to spend 5–10 minutes warming up before exercising, according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS).
Choose The Right Environment
When it comes to asthma patients, exercising requires a comfortable environment, especially a space that does not trigger an attack. According to Dr Naick, it is best to exercise indoors during cold weather to avoid exacerbating symptoms triggered by cold air. If exercising outdoors, opt for warmer temperatures and avoid high pollen levels, he advises.
Stay Hydrated
“Proper hydration helps maintain optimal lung function,” says Dr Naick, advising drinking water before, during, and after exercise.
The ALA explains that drinking water can help thin the mucus lining of your airways and lungs, making it easier to breathe. As opposed to it, dehydration can thicken the mucus and make it stickier, which in turn slows down breathing and also increases the risk of allergies and various illnesses.
Don’t Stop Prescription Medications
There is no cure for asthma, but there are effective treatments to control symptoms and allow you to live a full life. Inhalers are the most common type of treatment. Reliever inhalers with fast-acting medicine open up airways during an attack, while daily preventive inhalers with steroids reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
Regardless of whether you're exercising or not, taking prescribed asthma medication as directed by your healthcare provider is crucial, especially if you anticipate exercise-induced symptoms, advises Dr Naick.
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Avoid Overlooking Warning Signs
It is important to stop exercising if you experience wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, or any other asthma symptoms, warns Dr Naick.
Common exercise-induced lung issues in asthmatic individuals include bronchoconstriction and exercise-induced asthma (EIA).
To relieve symptoms, the doctor advises using a rescue inhaler as prescribed.
“Practice controlled breathing techniques and rest until symptoms subside. Always prioritise safety and listen to your body when exercising with asthma,” adds Dr Naick.
Conclusion
Regular exercise is the key to overall wellness, and it is no different for people with asthma. Working out may seem counterintuitive for people with breathing difficulties, but it actually improves lung function and capacity. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if you are ready to embark on the journey.