Be physically active

exercise induced asthma?

 

  • Click here to print the booklet Asthma, Breathing and Exercise for tips on keeping active with asthma.

Have fun and be healthy

Physical activity improves lung capacity, blood flow, and is calming, fulfilling and fun. For people with asthma, it is  especially important. People who are active usually find they have less asthma and cope better when they do have it. Sport and Recreation NZ (SPARC) recommends just 30 minutes of brisk walking on most days of the week. A small price to pay for staying well.

Some tips for exercising with asthma

1. Keep your asthma under control

Controlling your asthma day to day improves Exercise Induced Asthma. Many people get more wheezy with exercise because their asthma is not as well controlled as it could be. If you have symptoms of asthma more than three times a week, your asthma is not well controlled. See your doctor to review your medicines and ask for an Asthma Self Management Plan.

2. Think about your body today, and consider the weather conditions and activity

Check your body - is your asthma worse due to a cold? If so, rest up until you are strong again.

Check the weather - is it a cold, dry day? Wearing a thin, warm scarf loosely around your lower face can help warm the air you breathe and prevent EIA, or exercise inside if you can.  

Activities involving a lot of stopping and starting or a warm moist environment are less likely to cause EIA. Swimming, walking, tramping, tennis, yoga, martial arts, tai chi, aerobics or team sports, are often preferred by people with EIA.

3. Remember to warm up

Stretching and a few minutes of running or skipping before exercise will help prevent EIA, protect you from sprains and strains, and get you in the mood to move! 

5. Use your reliever inhaler before activity

Take 1-2 puffs of reliever medicine (Ventolin, Bricanyl, Respolin, Airomir…usually blue-coloured) just before you exercise. Other useful medications prescribed are Intal, Tilade or Vicrom – they are usually preventer medicines, but can also be used 10 minutes before exercise.

6. Breathe, don't heave!

Slow deep breaths through your nose with the right pattern can help stop EIA. The next section can help you learn to breathe easy. Click here to learn more about better breathing.