MANAGING EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA

Not only can people with asthma exercise, but there are also several benefits that exercise can provide asthma patients: improved lung function and stamina; weight loss, which reduces the likelihood of asthma flare-ups; increased blood flow to the heart and lungs, which reduces the risk of respiratory infections; and reduced stress, which contributes to asthma flare-ups. Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) happens because asthma patients are sensitive to sudden temperature changes in the airways, especially when breathing cold or dry air in through the mouth. Luckily, EIA can be managed through a few simple precautions. A gradual warm-up and cool-down session limits sudden temperature changes in the airways. Avoid strenuous exercise when environmental asthma triggers are present. And above all, stay hydrated.

P.S. Different types of exercise affect asthma differently. Walking, hiking, swimming, and yoga are good choices because they can be done at your own pace, while exercising indoors can help limit the temperature changes that cause flare-ups.

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