Did you know that people who exercise frequently are almost two and a half times better at controlling their asthma than those who don’t exercise? This was found out by way of a research project involving 643 adults who suffer from asthma and was published in the year 2015 in the journal BMJ Open Respiratory Research. Exercising when you have asthma can be difficult because it is difficult to breathe when you have asthma.
In spite of the fact that many people want to avoid physical activities because they believe they will bring on an asthma attack, they frequently miss out on the primary advantages of working out, including getting a better handle on their asthma.
What kinds of exercises are recommended for people with asthma?
Before beginning any type of exercise regimen, a person should always consult with the treating physician they are currently working with, as each patient may react differently. Despite the fact that not all exercises are appropriate for people with asthma, the following are some exercises that will not make the symptoms worse and can help decrease the frequency of asthma attacks in people with mild to moderate asthma:
Swimming:
Swimming is one of the most beneficial exercises for people who suffer from asthma because it strengthens the muscles that are used for breathing. In addition to this, it subjects the lungs to a great deal of air that is both moist and warm, which reduces the likelihood that it will bring on an asthma attack. Swimming has been shown to improve pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary fitness in people with stable asthma without causing any significant adverse effects, according to a comprehensive medical review of eight studies that were conducted in 2013 on children and adolescents.
Walking:
Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that anyone can easily work into their daily routine. The symptoms of breathlessness (dyspnea) were improved in participants with moderate to severe chronic lung disease who participated in an exercise programme on a regular basis, such as walking. The study was published in 2006.
Sixty-nine percent of people who responded to a survey about asthma that was carried out in the United Kingdom stated that walking was their preferred method of physical activity. Because there are now so many apps and devices on the market, it is much simpler to keep track of the total number of steps taken in a single day. To accomplish what needs to be done for the day, it would be more advantageous to walk as opposed to driving or taking public transportation.
Yoga:
People who suffer from asthma may find benefit in participating in another form of exercise called yoga, which emphasises proper breathing techniques. In a study conducted in 2009 over the course of 12 weeks, participants who performed breathing exercises twice daily for a total of 40 minutes per session showed significant improvement in their asthma symptoms as well as their lung function.
Yoga positions like the Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) and the Sitting Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) open up the chest area and make it easier to breathe deeply while practising them. In a similar vein, breathing practises that are beneficial in reducing mucus congestion include the Nadi Shodhan Pranayama, also known as the Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique.
Racquet sports:
When compared to other types of physical activity, racquet sports, such as badminton and table tennis, involve significantly less running around the court. Because participants in these sports are able to expend their energy through regular rests between games and also have access to water, there is no risk of becoming dehydrated, which is something that can make exercise-induced asthma worse.
Tips for those who exercise but suffer from asthma
Even if you have severe asthma, you can still exercise safely by following these steps:
Take the inhaler with you.
Those who suffer from asthma should make sure they have their reliever inhaler close at hand whenever they engage in physical activity. If you feel that your asthma symptoms are being triggered by your exercise routine, you should take a break, use your inhaler, and wait until the symptoms have subsided before you go back to your workout.
Get comfortable.
When working out with asthma, it is essential to first acclimate the body to physical exertion before beginning any kind of physical activity. This is true for any kind of exercise. Therefore, before beginning any kind of workout, it is recommended to spend between five and ten minutes performing some light warm-up exercises. It is not recommended to give a severe shock to the system of the human body. It is imperative that you always keep in mind to pace the body throughout the entirety of the workout in order to avoid overworking it. After you’ve finished your workout, it’s important not to skip the cool-down period.
When it’s cold, you need to take extra precautions.
When dealing with the effects of cold weather, it is essential to take additional safety precautions. Wrapping a scarf around one’s mouth and nose in a loose manner can help warm the air that is breathed in before it enters the airways. If someone has asthma and knows that cold weather makes their symptoms worse, the safest thing to do is to stay inside. Try to limit yourself to indoor activities, such as yoga or walking on a treadmill, which don’t necessitate going outside to participate in.
Avoid pollen & pollution
When exercising with asthma, it is critical to avoid exposure to pollen as much as possible. Always make sure you check the weather report to see what the pollen count is and how clean the air is. If the forecast does not look promising, it is best to plan activities that can be done inside. Also, avoid going near any areas near factories or roads that are frequently used. Always take precautions to ensure that as much of the time as possible you are breathing in clean air.
Be consistent
Participating in consistent physical activity can lead to improvements in asthma management and symptoms, particularly in patients who are obese. A significant clinical improvement in asthma control was observed in a randomised controlled trial involving 55 obese subjects who were given an exercise programme to follow for a period of three months.
Summery
- Did you know that people who exercise frequently are almost two and a half times better at controlling their asthma than those who don’t exercise?
- Despite the fact that not all exercises are appropriate for people with asthma, the following are some exercises that will not make the symptoms worse and can help decrease the frequency of asthma attacks in people with mild to moderate asthma:
- Swimming:Swimming is one of the most beneficial exercises for people who suffer from asthma because it strengthens the muscles that are used for breathing.
- Sixty-nine percent of people who responded to a survey about asthma that was carried out in the United Kingdom stated that walking was their preferred method of physical activity.
- Therefore, before beginning any kind of workout, it is recommended to spend between five and ten minutes performing some light warm-up exercises.
- When dealing with the effects of cold weather, it is essential to take additional safety precautions.
FAQ
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Reference
4 Exercises For Asthma Patients | Best Benefits and Tips
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
