Staying active with asthma disease

Exercise and physical activity is vital for keeping fit and healthy and is an important part of good asthma management. Sometimes, however, the physical exertion of exercising can trigger an episode of asthma disease. This is called ‘exercise-induced asthma’ (EIA).

“I have asthma since I was 7 and now I am 16. I had hard time playing. I felt like I can’t take deep breaths or get enough air into my lungs. I stayed away from all sorts of physical activities, couldn’t really be a part of any sport activity or play outdoor games like other children of my age did. This condition made me feel helpless and hopeless.’

This is how Rachit explains his feelings of battling with asthma disease. Later, with appropriate asthma treatment and lifestyle management, he recovered from asthma condition and started getting involved in sports activities too.

If you too experience asthma symptoms during exercise, consult our homeopathic experts: https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment for safe, effective, and natural treatment.

Most individuals with exercise-induced asthma can exercise to their full potential if their asthma symptoms are managed properly. Many top national and international players such as David Beckham have asthma and are able to perform at a competitive level with good asthma management.

Let us see, what exercise-induced asthma is and how to prevent it –

Exercise-induced asthma

When resting, we normally breathe through our nose, which warms and moistens the air travelling to our lungs. During exercise and physical activity, we often breathe more quickly through our mouths, causing cold and dry air to travel to our lungs. As this air is heated and humidified during exercise, water is evaporated from the airway surface causing the airways to dehydrate. The cooler and dryer the air is that we breathe in; the more severe the symptoms are likely to be.

Shortness of breath during or after physical activity is common, however if physical activity causes the following symptoms, with no relief after rest, you may have exercise-induced asthma –

• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of a tight chest
• Dry or persistent cough
• Wheeze

There is little difference between exercise-induced asthma in adults and children, although we do see that young children tend to recover faster than older children and adults.

Also Read: Childhood Asthma - 5 ways to prevent asthma attacks

How can you prevent exercise-induced asthma?

Exercise-induced asthma should not interfere significantly with ones quality of life or ability to be physically active. Follow these simple steps to help reduce your chance of developing exercise-induced asthma:

1. Before exercise – always warm up before exercise to prevent chest tightening. If you have been inactive for a long time, start with walking. Walking is the easiest and safest form of exercise for beginners. You can start with short sessions (10 to 15 minutes). Gradually build up to being active at least 30 minutes a day.
2. During exercise – watch for asthma symptoms and ask your doctor in advance what to do/ what medication to take if symptoms appear. Always breathe through your nose during exercise. Take brief rests during exercise. Avoid exercising outside during really cold weather and if you have to, wear a scarf around your nose and mouth. If pollen or pollution triggers your asthma, exercise indoors on days when the air quality is bad or the pollen count is high. Don’t exercise when you have a cold or flu.
3. After exercise – cool down fully after exercise. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise.

Conclusion: Well controlled asthma should not limit anyone from participating in physical activity. In fact, exercise can help control the frequency and severity of asthma episodes. However, physical activity should be done under doctors’ guidance. With proper asthma treatment and precautions, you can learn how to control your condition as you become more active. With the right medicine, most people with asthma should be able to exercise with minimal problems or restrictions.

If you are looking for a safe, effective, and natural solution for your asthma, try homeopathy. You can consult our doctors by booking an appointment at https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment Our doctors will design an exercise program for maximum benefit and minimum risk to your health and physical condition.