5 Active Ways to Improve Asthma Symptoms

Exercise is a commonly known trigger for many asthma sufferers.

When asthma symptoms present after physical activity, this is widely known as exercise-induced asthma. Exercise-induced asthma can create symptoms ranging from breathlessness to tightening of the chest, in turn, making asthma sufferers fearful of engaging in physical activity.

Although asthma can be such a debilitating issue for a lot of Australians and people worldwide, physical activity should not be avoided. There are steps you can take and many activities you can engage in that can actually assist in the prevention of asthma symptoms if the asthma is in a manageable state. In fact, there are many athletes, even of Olympic standard, who compete with asthma.

If you suffer from exercise-induced asthma, perhaps consider trying one of the following cardiovascular exercises to assist you in controlling your asthma and regaining your body and fitness. Cardiovascular exercise has been found to be the most effective in helping asthmatic people manage their conditions and in turn, prevent symptoms from occurring.

1. Swimming

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One of the best cardiovascular exercises that you can do to prevent asthma symptoms, swimming trains the lungs to strengthen by encouraging improved circulation, preventing inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Whether you do laps, water aerobics or simply wade up and down the pool, you are sure to feel an improvement in your lung capacity as well as increased lung lubrication which helps prevent it from drying out and causing inflammation.

2. Meditation

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Another common trigger of asthma symptoms is stress and we all know we could do with less of it in our lives. Meditation gives you a sense of peace and calm which benefits your emotional wellbeing as well as your overall health. Whilst assisting you to gain new perspective on stressful situations, meditation reduces negative emotions, these of which can cause a multitude of health problems. Some research suggests that in addition to assisting asthma sufferers, meditation also provides relief to people suffering from allergies (another asthma trigger), fatigue and binge eating.

3. Brisk Walking

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Ever since our ape ancestors roamed this earth, human beings were born to walk. Whether you prefer to hit the treadmill or pound the pavement, walking is an organic way to improve your cardiovascular health. If you are overweight and have asthma, you need to shed those kilos as being overweight can place further pressure on your lungs. Walking is the perfect place to start to enable your muscles, heart and lungs to strengthen and progress to our next recommended activity, running. Strap on some comfy shoes, don your iPod and you’re set to go!

4. Running

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For asthma sufferers, it is best to run in warm, humid conditions as colder weather is known for increasing asthma symptoms. The time of day will also need to be taken into account if you find smog or pollen to be a trigger. Running is great for really getting your heart rate up, improving your cardiovascular fitness, resulting in stronger lungs for a better air intake. Before embarking on a running programme however, ensure you chat to your GP and have your asthma properly under control as exertion can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.

5. Cycling

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Another cardiovascular exercise that is not only great for getting the heart rate up, Cycling can be done solo or as part of a cycling group. Easy on the joints, cycling is a low-impact activity and if you have your own bike, its versatility will do wonders for you. Ride to work, run your errands on your pushie, strap on a kiddie seat and take your little one along for the ride.  While your heart rate is increasing, you will be improving your lung strength while toning your lower body and building core strength.

Tips to help prevent exercise-induced asthma:

• Always carry your reliever medication and spacer with you.
• Between 5 and 20 mins before warming up, administer your reliever medication this helps open the airways prior to exercise.
• Always warm up appropriately before exercising.
• Be conscious of any occurring asthma symptoms during exercise and take your reliever medication once symptoms appear.
• Only return to exercise if your symptoms have been relieved. It is not advised to return to exercise if you experience symptoms more than once during your activities.
• On completion of your exercise, always cool down asthma symptoms can occur up to half an hour after exercise.

For more information about asthma or to make a much-needed donation, please visit the Asthma Foundation website at www.asthmaaustralia.org.au