Asthma and exercise: How to stay fit and breathe easy

Do you have asthma? If so, you’re not alone. Nearly one in 12 people in the United States has asthma. But each person’s asthma has a unique set of triggers. For some, asthma symptoms get worse in cold weather, or during spring allergy season. For others, it happens when they exercise.

Here, we focus on exercise-induced asthma and how you can manage it while still getting active.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes your airways to swell and narrow, making it harder to breathe. People with asthma have triggers that lead to asthma flare-ups and worsen symptoms. Common asthma triggers are allergens, smoke, air pollution, and exercise.

If you experience asthma symptoms when you exercise or move a lot, you may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB)

EIB, also known as exercise-induced asthma, just means that physical activity makes your airways (bronchi) narrow or constrict.

EIB causes

The cause of EIB likely comes down to how we breathe when we exercise. Because sports and activities can challenge the body, we often breathe in through our mouths while we exercise. Air coming into the body through the mouth is drier and cooler than air coming in through the nose. Cool and dry air cause the airways to get inflamed and narrow.

You also may breathe in more of your asthma triggers as you catch your breath during exercise. Asthma symptoms can worsen if you’re exercising outdoors when the pollen count is high, when you’re sick, or when it’s really cold.

EIB symptoms

Symptoms of EIB are the same as asthma symptoms, in general. You may notice:

• Coughing
• Chest tightness
• Increased fatigue, or being extra tired
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

How to exercise with asthma

Living with asthma or EIB doesn’t mean you need to give up exercise. In fact, frequent exercise helps strengthen your breathing muscles and improve airway function. Not to mention, movement supports your overall health. Your body needs exercise. If your asthma bothers you during exercise, work with your provider to find an exercise program that keeps you safe with as few asthma symptoms as possible. Try the following tips.

Do:

• Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Choose activities and sports that provide short bursts of activity with rest time, such as softball or volleyball.
• Focus on warm, humid environments, such as swimming in an indoor pool.
• Use any medication as prescribed—either a rescue inhaler to quickly alleviate symptoms or a controller medication to prevent flare-ups.
• Warm up before you start your actual exercise and cool down at the end.

Don’t:

• Don’t do too many activities that expose you to the cold, such as ice skating and ice hockey.
• Don’t push it with exercise that requires constant activity for a long period, like long-distance running.
• Don’t exercise when you’re sick.
• Don’t exercise too long outside if pollution or allergen levels are high.

Respiratory care for asthma management

At LCMC Health, our respiratory care specialists can help you keep your asthma under control. Schedule a respiratory care appointment, so we can develop an effective treatment plan for your asthma. We’ll focus on identifying your asthma triggers, preventing asthma attacks, and resolving symptoms when they happen. So, you can breathe easy—during exercise or at rest.