Severe Asthma Sufferers Can Exercise And Stay Fit

Severe asthma sufferers can still stay in shape using a targeted exercise program. As long as your asthma is under control, and you stay safe if an attack strikes while you hit the gym.

 

 

 

Severe Asthma: Cardio Workouts

Jogging, swimming, walking can help.  Stick to moderate intensity. That means you should be able to talk while you do it.

 

Severe Asthma: Yoga And Weight Training

Both things build muscle and blast a common asthma trigger: stress. Keep it to moderate intensity. If you lift weights, 10 to 15 reps is a good target. Don’t hold your breath when you hold poses or lift weights.

 

Severe Asthma: Team Sports

If you’re a team player, sign up for sports that have quick bursts of energy, like baseball. Sports that are constantly go-go-go, like soccer, basketball, or long-distance track, are more likely to trigger your asthma.

 

Severe Asthma: Proper Way To Exercise

Start slowly and stretch your muscles to get your body ready to work out. As you finish up, slow down and stretch again. Take 10 minutes each for warm-up and cool down. Try not to stop suddenly.

 

Severe Asthma: Avoid Pollen

The great outdoors isn’t great for asthma if there’s a lot of pollen in the air. Check the weather report for pollen counts and air quality. If it isn’t good, head for the gym instead. Do you have seasonal allergies like hay fever? Make sure you take your allergy medications, too.

 

Severe Asthma: Avoid Pollution

Stay away from busy roads and areas near factories. If it’s smoggy or the air quality report isn’t good, head indoors. But make sure the air is clean inside, too. Cigarette smoke, dust, and pet dander can trigger asthma. An indoor air humidifier can help.

 

Severe Asthma: Avoid Chilly Air

Chilly air can trigger asthma. If you go outside to work out when it’s cold, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth. It will help warm the air up before it gets to your lungs.

 

Severe Asthma: When Not To Exercise

Don’t exercise when you have a cold, flu, or other illness. You’re more likely to have an attack if you work out while you’re under the weather.

 

Severe Asthma: Workouts And Medications

Ask your doctor if you should take inhaled asthma medication before you work out. Always have your rescue inhaler with you. Make sure you take your regular asthma medications as prescribed.

 

Severe Asthma: Let People Know

Other people should know you have asthma. That way, they can see the signs of an attack and help you. Tell your coach, fitness instructor, or exercise partner.

 

Severe Asthma: An Attack During Exercise

If exercise triggers your asthma, stop what you’re doing. Next time, try to take your rescue medication before you work out. Stay sitting up if an attack hits. If it ends quickly, you can probably go back to working out. But warm up again and start slowly.

 

Severe Asthma: Don’t Give Up Exercising

Regular exercise can lower the number of asthma attacks you have. When one comes, it won’t be as severe. As time goes on, you’ll be able to do more with fewer symptoms, so keep up your routine as much as possible.