Safe exercise for asthmatics

Don't use asthma as an excuse for not exercising. There are a variety of sports that are safe for asthmatics, but you must know how to frustrate them.

Asthma is a long-term condition where patients can experience shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing and coughing at any time. Asthma is caused by swelling of the walls of the airways (bronchi) which carry air in and out of the lungs.

Triggers can range from dust to animal hair, cigarette smoke, chemicals such as perfume, pollen, infections, sports, or strenuous physical activity. In other words, the lungs of asthmatics are more sensitive to many of these things.
Asthma and exercise

Why exercise can trigger asthma attacks? By breathing normally, the incoming air is warmed and hydrated through the nasal passages. But when exercising, people tend to breathe through the mouth. The air is cold, dry, inhalation does not heat up. Well, the muscles around the airways become sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. As a result, the muscles of the airways contract and the airways become narrower.

Even if you suffer from asthma, it is not advisable to give up sports activities altogether. According to research, exercise does have a positive effect on asthma sufferers. There are no negative effects, such as an increase in asthma symptoms or the frequency of asthma attacks, for those who do certain types of exercise. In sports, asthma symptoms decrease, the quality of life of asthmatics increases.

Asthma attacks during exercise occur if physical activity is too intense or asthma is not controlled. The risk of this occurrence tends to be lower if the patient is physically and mentally ready and uses the right medicine for asthma.

What sport is suitable?

If you suffer from asthma, it is advisable to choose a type of exercise that is not too intense, a period of time that is not too long and a sport that does not exercise too much energy, for example:

• On foot

One study showed that walking three times a week for 12 weeks can control asthma and improve fitness without causing asthma symptoms. Try walking for 30 minutes while heating and cooling for five minutes.

• yoga

One study found that practicing Hatha yoga 2.5 hours a week for 10 weeks can help improve quality of life and reduce the risk of recurrence of symptoms in asthmatics.

• cycling

Relaxing cycling won't trigger asthma. Another story if you pedal at a speed of 30 km / h or in the mountains.
swimming
This exercise strengthens the muscles used to breathe and gives the lungs plenty of warm and moist air. However, it is not recommended to swim for too long or too often because chlorine in pool water can cause asthma attacks.

• Sports using a racket

This type of exercise allows you to rest regularly. You can control the speed of the game, rest and drink water at any time. The intensity of the exercise can also be reduced if you play two. Types of sports with racquets that are good for asthma such as tennis, squash, badminton and baseball.

• escape

Short-range athletics won't trigger an attack, but don't try to run a marathon if you don't want to run out of breath. The maximum distance for a race that is recommended for asthmatics is about 1.5 km for a maximum of 10 minutes.

• volleyball

This sport does not require too much racing and there are other players who help the game, even hitting volleyball doesn't involve too much movement.

Some sports have a tendency to trigger asthma symptoms, such as soccer, basketball or long distance running. You must avoid this sport. If you experience asthma symptoms while exercising, stop exercising immediately and use an inhaler to relieve asthma attacks. Be sure to follow the handling instructions recommended by your doctor.

The quality of life of asthmatics in general can improve if they exercise regularly, take medicines as prescribed, regularly monitor the symptoms and function of the lungs under the authority of the doctor. Don't stop doing physical activities safely just because you have asthma. However, it is best to consult with your doctor first to determine the type of exercise that is right for you and the conditions that are right for you.

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