Asthma is a condition of narrowing the passage of oxygen to the lungs caused by inflammation and swelling of the respiratory tract and tension in the surrounding muscle tissue. Asthma causes sufferers to experience coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Sometimes exercise is one of the triggers for an asthma attack. However, choosing the right type and intensity can relieve asthma symptoms by improving lung health. Here are some things you need to know about exercise for people with asthma.
Benefits of Exercise for People with Asthma
Several types of exercise can reduce asthma symptoms by making the lungs stronger without exacerbating inflammation and swelling of the respiratory tract. The following are the benefits that people with asthma do routinely exercise wisely and precisely:
- Increase stamina and endurance. Over time, exercise can increase the tolerance of the airways to physical activity. This will make it easier for the lungs to work when doing activities that make you breathless, such as climbing stairs.
- Reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. Regular exercise can reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract by reducing the inflammatory protein produced due to the inflammatory process. This will improve the respiratory system's response to exercise.
- Increase lung capacity. The more often we exercise, the more accustomed our lungs are to processing oxygen. This reduces the degree of difficulty breathing in daily activities.
- Strengthens muscles. When the muscles are strong, the body will function more efficiently when carrying out daily activities.
- Improve the fitness of the body's cardiovascular system. Regular exercise improves the cardiovascular system, including heart function for blood distribution and oxygen distribution in the body.
The Best Types of Exercise for People with Asthma
The best exercise for people with asthma is brief but involves a fair amount of exertion. Another option is light-intensity exercise. Don't choose sports that put a heavy burden on lung performance. Here are the three best exercise choices for people with asthma:
- Swimming. Swimming is the most recommended exercise for people with asthma. Compared to other sports, swimming is less likely to cause asthma symptoms. One of the reasons is the small exposure to dust in the water. However, some people must be careful when swimming in a pool with chlorine.
- Walking. Walking is a choice of light-intensity exercise and will not overload the body, so it's easy to breathe. However, keep in mind that you should only walk when it is warm enough outside. Cold, dry air can trigger or exacerbate asthma symptoms. You can also choose to walk on a treadmill or indoors.
- Relax cycling. Cycling on weekends with family, friends, or relatives can be an option to train for lung health. You can also do it indoors using a stationary bike.
Exercise Tips for People with Asthma
In addition to choosing the right type and amount of exercise, you can follow some of the following tips to reduce asthma symptoms when exercising:
- Use the inhaler before starting an exercise session.
- Always warm up before starting and cool down to end a workout session.
- Use a mask to protect your nose and mouth from cold air.
- Choose a sports location with clean, non-polluted air.
- Rest as needed.
Don't hesitate to keep doing sports if you have asthma. You can get many benefits if you exercise regularly in the recommended amount and type. Consult your doctor before exercising, and always listen to your body's signals to rest or stop.
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Source:
Nunez, K., & Metz, M. (2020). All About Asthma and Exercise. Healthline. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/exercise-for-asthma