Exercising Our Way to Asthma Resilience

Turning Every Wheeze into a Warrior's Roar.

Exercise is a fundamental component of a healthy lifestyle, even for individuals with asthma. Regular exercise can bring numerous benefits. When approached with care and proper management, exercise can be an integral part of asthma control.

Here are some important points to consider when it comes to exercise and asthma:

1. Improved Lung Function:
   • Regular exercise can lead to increased lung capacity and improved overall lung function. This is particularly crucial for individuals with asthma, as it can help them better manage their condition and reduce the risk of exacerbations.
2. Reduced Asthma Symptoms:
   • Engaging in regular exercise has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms. Exercise helps strengthen respiratory muscles, making them more efficient at moving air in and out of the lungs.
3. Weight Management:
   • Maintaining a healthy body weight is essential for individuals with asthma. Exercise, combined with a balanced diet, can help with weight management, which in turn can reduce the strain on the respiratory system.
4. Reduction of Stress and Anxiety:
   • Exercise is known to reduce stress and anxiety levels. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma, as stress and anxiety can sometimes trigger or exacerbate asthma symptoms.
5. Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB):
   • Some individuals with asthma may experience exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), this is caused by breathing in cold, dry air that causes your airways to tighten and get narrower. This can trigger your asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. With proper warm-up and medication use before exercise, most people with asthma can still safely engage in exercise. It is important to consult a pulmonologist to guide you how manage your asthma when exercising.
6. Personalized Exercise Plans:
   • Should your asthma significantly impact your daily life and hinder your ability to engage in exercise, your pulmonologist may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation. This involves a multidisciplinary approach that integrates exercise training, education, and psychosocial support to enhance respiratory function and manage symptoms.
7. Choosing Suitable Activities:
   • While most forms of exercise are safe for individuals with asthma, some activities may be better tolerated. For example, swimming and yoga are generally well-tolerated and offer additional benefits for respiratory health.
8. Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down:
   • A thorough warm-up and cool-down routine can help acclimate the body to changes in breathing patterns and temperature. This can help reduce the likelihood of an asthma episode during or after exercise. Cover around your nose and mouth while working out in colder weather conditions. Reduce outdoor exercise or intense activities when the air quality is poor such as during a stand storm.

In conclusion, exercise can be a powerful tool for managing asthma and improving overall well-being. However, it's crucial for individuals with asthma to work closely with their Pulmonologist to develop a safe individualised plan. With the right approach, individuals with asthma can enjoy the many benefits of regular physical activity.

Katie Neighbour, Clinical Nurse Specialist