Why you can – and should – have an active lifestyle whilst living with asthma

Yes! You can live an active life with asthma – and your child can play sport. 

In fact, says Stefan Uys, a registered biokineticist at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, when managed correctly, regular exercise can help improve overall asthma control.  

“Living with asthma doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines,” says Uys. “By choosing the right exercises, understanding your asthma triggers, and taking appropriate precautions, both you and your child can enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Understanding how asthma interacts with physical activity is key to managing it effectively.”  

Why exercise should be part of your healthy lifestyle with asthma

Exercise is not only permitted for those with asthma, it in fact has multiple benefits. According to Uys, exercising with asthma:

1. Improves respiratory health: Regular exercise strengthens the respiratory muscles and enhances lung function. This can help improve overall asthma control.
2. Boosts immune function: Physical activity can improve immune system efficiency, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
3. Enhances mental health: Exercise helps alleviate stress and anxiety, which can be triggers for asthma symptoms.
4. Supports weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the burden on the respiratory system and lowers the risk of developing comorbid conditions that can exacerbate asthma.
5. Promotes better sleep: Regular physical activity can help you achieve better sleep, which is crucial for overall health and asthma management.

Best exercises for asthma

While many exercises can be suitable for those with asthma, certain have extra benefits. For example, swimming can be modified to suit your fitness level and helps to improve breath control. “Swimming also helps improve overall lung capacity,” says Uys, “and the humid environment of indoor swimming pools is less likely to trigger asthma.”

Also associated with improved breath control, stretching helps improve breathing techniques and flexibility, reducing stress and potentially easing asthma symptoms, he continues.

The intensity of walking can also be adjusted to suit your fitness level. “Gentle on the respiratory system, walking is an excellent low-impact exercise,” says Uys. “Moderate cycling, especially in cooler, less polluted environments,” he adds, “is also generally well-tolerated by people with asthma.”

Exercises to avoid

While maintaining a level of fitness is advisable, there are certain exercises or areas that those with asthma are advised to avoid. According to Uys, these include:

1. High-intensity interval training (HIIT): While beneficial for overall fitness, the sudden spikes in intensity that come with HIIT can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.
2. Outdoor running in cold weather: Cold, dry air can be a strong asthma trigger. If you enjoy running, consider indoor tracks or treadmill running in a controlled environment.
3. Exercise in high pollution areas: Pollutants and allergens in the air can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Opt for cleaner, controlled environments for exercise.

Can Exercise Trigger an Asthma Attack?

While exercise can be highly beneficial to those with asthma, it does however pose a risk especially when the asthma is not well controlled. It can therefore trigger an asthma attack or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). “EIB occurs when physical activity leads to airway narrowing, causing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing,” Uys explains.

To minimize this risk, he suggests the following:

• Warm up properly: Gradually increase your exercise intensity with a proper warm-up to help your lungs adjust.
• Use your inhaler: Take a pre-exercise dose of a bronchodilator if prescribed. This can help prevent or reduce EIB.
• Exercise indoors: During extreme weather conditions or when air quality is poor, consider indoor exercises in well-ventilated, clean areas, to avoid triggers like cold air, high pollen counts or high pollution levels.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your airways hydrated and reduce the likelihood of irritation.
• Know Your Triggers: Be aware of specific triggers and try to avoid them during exercise. Work with your healthcare provider to identify and manage these triggers.
• Cool Down: Just as warming up is important, cooling down after exercise helps your body return to its normal state and reduces the risk of EIB.

Take these precautions

“Before starting any new exercise regimen, discuss your plans with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your asthma condition,” Uys cautions. “They can help tailor exercise routines to individual needs and ensure optimal asthma management.” You can also work together to create an asthma action plan that includes steps to take if you experience symptoms during or after exercise.

Always listen to your body during exercise. “If you experience unusual symptoms such as increased wheezing or shortness of breath, stop exercising and use your rescue inhaler if needed,” says Uys.

Ultimately, your attitude has a lot to do with your overall exercise experience, he adds. “Stay motivated and positive about exercise. It’s not just about physical health but also about enjoying activities and building confidence.”