10 Tips for Exercising with Asthma

More than 27 million Americans have asthma, a chronic respiratory disease with symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. For many people, physical exertion makes their symptoms worse, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK to avoid exercise — in fact, regular physical activity can help improve your asthma symptoms and benefit your lung health, too.

The key is learning how to exercise so you reap the benefits of physical activity without triggering your symptoms. While it’s not always an easy task, it’s not as hard as you might think, as long as you follow a few guidelines.

As a leading primary care doctor, Lianet R Tuduri, MD, provides personalized, comprehensive care for asthma and other chronic diseases in patients at Personal ConciergMed (PCM). Here, she offers 10 simple tips to help you get the physical activity you need to support optimal lung health and overall wellness.

1. Talk to your doctor

Before beginning any exercise plan, it’s a good idea to schedule an office visit to discuss your plans with Dr. Tuduri. That’s true with any type of chronic health condition, not just asthma. Dr. Tuduri reviews your medical history, your medications, and your exercise goals. Then she recommends steps you can take to exercise safely based on your specific needs.

2. Have an asthma management plan

If you have asthma, you should also have an asthma management plan (or asthma action plan). Your plan should include a rundown of your symptoms and your triggers and what to do if your symptoms worsen. 

It should also specify what to do if you have an asthma attack during exercise. If your child has asthma, share their plan with their coach or teacher so they know what to do and understand when your child needs to take their medication.

3. Use your inhaler before exercise

If you have a rescue inhaler, use it before exercising to open your airways and make it easier to breathe during physical activity. Keep your inhaler with you at all times.

4. Warm up first, cool down after

Before any type of physical activity, take time to warm up so your airways (and muscles) can adjust. When you’re done exercising, end your activity slowly to give your breathing rate time to slow down, too.

5. Check the pollen count

Pollen is a major trigger for many people with asthma. If you plan on being active outdoors, check the pollen count first. For days when pollen levels are high, consider working out indoors instead. Also avoid any areas with high levels of pollution or fumes.

6. Choose the right activity

Skip sports that require continuous movement, like soccer or track. Instead, focus on activities that don't cause extremely heavy breathing, like walking, swimming, or biking. These activities strengthen your lungs and your cardiovascular system without taxing your airways too much.

7. Prepare for cold air

Cold, dry air can trigger asthma symptoms, too. When the weather is cold, wear a mask or a scarf to cover your nose and mouth to pre-warm the air before you breathe it in.

8. Stay hydrated

Carry a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water before and during exercise. Water keeps your airways moist to reduce the risk of an asthma symptom flare-up.

9. Take regular breaks

Working out continuously is almost certain to trigger asthma symptoms. Work in occasional breaks and avoid prolonged periods of intensity that put a lot of strain on your airways.

10. Pay attention to your body

When you’re exercising, pay attention to your body and your breathing. If you notice symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a tightening in your airways, stop and rest. Use your inhaler and sit down and relax to prevent symptoms from getting worse. 

If they continue to worsen, be ready to seek medical help when needed. Dr. Tuduri can prescribe other types of asthma medication if your inhaler isn’t enough to keep your symptoms under control.

Exercise is important for your physical health and your emotional wellness, and by following these simple tips, it can even help you manage your asthma more effectively. To learn what else you can do to keep your asthma symptoms under control, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Tuduri and the team at Personal ConciergMed in Coral Gables, Florida, today.