Can Asthma And Exercise Mix?

A few people seem to get asthma attacks only when they run or take other exercise. Doctors used to think that asthma and exercise should not mix and that this was a separate form of asthma.

But it is very usual for people with asthma to have this happen to them. This 'exercise-induced asthma' is especially a problem for young people.

In fact doctors used to puzzle over why children got exercise-induced asthma and why adults did not.

Eventually research discovered the reason; adults don't take nearly so much exercise!

We now think that people who get asthma attacks only when they take exercise just have asthma which is too mild to show up most of the time, needing the extra provocation from faster breathing to bring it out.

All and sundry should engage in some sort of aerobic activity to keep their heart and lungs healthy, and muscles toned and strong.

Even people with asthma benefit from regular exercise; it helps to increase lung capacity therefore allowing the lungs to function more efficiently.

Many times the fear of an asthma attack keeps asthmatics from participating in activities that they enjoy. Asthma and exercise may seem like fire and water to some, but there are ways to make these two very compatible.

Numerous professional athletes suffer from asthma and allergies, but they have found a way to manage their symptoms effectively so that they can perform at their fullest potential.

There are many good asthma and allergy medications on the market today, some available over-the-counter and some by prescription only that can greatly reduce the onset of asthma symptoms during exercise.

According to information collected from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), physical and emotional well-being can be improved through regular exercise, which can also help to manage asthma symptoms. 

Here are a few asthma and exercise facts that can help people get active and stay active by learning these simple interventions. Not all types of exercise will provoke asthma symptoms, and before beginning any type of exercise program, an asthma and allergy specialist or health care practitioner should be consulted.

People with mild asthma and who exercise they can get symptoms such as shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, or coughing, all of which can develop into a full blown asthma attack if not treated immediately.

By using a short or long acting bronchodilator prior to exercising, asthma symptoms can be controlled or even prevented completely. Other medications such as decongestants and antihistamines, either oral or inhaled, are also effective in controlling asthma and exercise.

Additional important asthma and exercise facts include not exercising in cold or windy weather, or when pollen counts are high. These factors can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms, which can lead to a more severe attack. Asthma and exercise routines can be tailored to each individual’s specific needs, and some activities are better tolerated than others.

For more information on asthma and exercise visit the Medem Medical Library at www.medem.com or a number of other online sources that have great suggestions on how to stay active and benefit from regular exercise while controlling asthma and allergy symptoms. Asthma does not have to equal sedentary lifestyle, in fact, this type of approach does.

Asthma attacks are hard work. One of the dangers in an asthma attack is fatigue, which may make you weaken in your fight to breathe. Obviously it is good to have strong breathing muscles, because strong muscles tire less easily. Obviously the way to get strong breathing muscles is to take exercise.

Far from being prevented from mixing asthma and exercise, people with asthma should take as much exercise as they can enjoyably manage. With care and understanding this will be much more than most outsiders think possible. Good medications and intelligent use of the tricks for getting round the problem of exercise-induced asthma can achieve tremendous results.

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