Asthma and exercise

If you have asthma, you don’t have to sit on the sidelines when it comes to exercise.

If you have asthma, you don’t have to sit on the sidelines when it comes to exercise. That hasn’t always been the case. Years ago, doctors told people to avoid exercise if they had asthma. And today, there’s still a myth that having asthma means working out is off-limits. In reality, doctors know that regular, well-planned workouts can benefit you in many ways. If you’re fit, your heart and lungs don’t have to work as hard. And staying in shape can help reduce your risk of many serious health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some types of cancer. Even patients with severe asthma can exercise, if you take your medication regularly, you can exercise normally.”But because vigorous exercise can trigger asthma attacks, you may want to use a short-acting beta agonist inhaler, such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) or pirbuterol (Maxair), to dilate your bronchial tubes 15 to 30 minutes before exercising. Inhaled ipratropium (Atrovent) is an alternative bronchodilator that can be used before exercise. Salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol (Foradil) are long-acting inhaled bronchodilators that may be suitable for use before longer periods of exercise. All of these are prescription medications.You may also want to exercise only when:You’re free of any viral infections, such as a cold. The weather is accommodating. Cold-weather activities, such as skiing, often trigger an attack. You may be better off exercising in warmer, more humid air, which you can do with indoor swimming, for instance. You’re properly warmed up. Five to 10 minutes of stretching or light exercise can help relax and widen your airways. You’ve chosen your exercise wisely. Less vigorous exercise, such as walking and golfing, may be a better option if strenuous exercise triggers your asthma. If you start to feel your asthma symptoms coming on during a workout, you may be able to continue if your symptoms remain mild. Otherwise, pause and take two puffs of your bronchodilator inhaler. If your asthma symptoms persist or get worse, it’s probably a good idea to stop exercising for the time being. You may need a change in your daily asthma treatment.The bottom line When overall control of asthma is good, the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma are less of a problem. Be sure to take your daily medications on schedule and see your doctor regularly for asthma checkups.(Source: Mayoclinic)