Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes bronchial spasms, swelling, and increased mucus production, leading to difficulty breathing. The condition often manifests as bouts of coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness; if not well-controlled, it can lead to severe, dangerous asthma attacks.

People with asthma can exercise appropriately to improve respiratory function, increase endurance, and help manage symptoms. Here are beneficial considerations for individuals with asthma when exercising.

Short, intermittent exercise

For individuals with asthma, prolonged exercise can increase the risk of symptoms appearing. Exercising for short durations at a moderate intensity helps improve physical fitness, cardiovascular health, and manage the condition. Patients can choose activities such as walking, light jogging, cycling, or swimming, performing them for about 20-30 minutes per session, two to three times per week.

Warm up before exercise

Patients should warm up for about 5-10 minutes before exercising to warm up the body and help the respiratory system gradually adapt to physical activity. This habit aims to increase breathing and heart rates without triggering asthma symptoms during exercise.

People who regularly warm up before exercise also reduce injuries, increase body temperature, and improve blood and oxygen circulation to muscles. This also makes joints more flexible, enhancing exercise performance.

Carry medication

Asthma symptoms can appear unexpectedly during exercise. Therefore, patients should carry a rescue inhaler when walking, jogging, cycling, or exercising indoors, to use when needed. Patients should also consult a doctor for guidance on a suitable and safe exercise program.

Check air quality and pollen before outdoor exercise

Air quality and pollen levels can affect asthma symptoms. Patients should check these indicators before exercising outdoors.

When the air quality index (AQI) is poor or pollen levels are high, individuals with asthma should limit strenuous outdoor activities to reduce the risk of triggering symptoms. Even low pollen counts can cause respiratory discomfort for some patients.

Avoid cold, dry air

For some individuals with asthma, exercising in cold or dry environments can increase the risk of symptoms appearing. If exercising in these conditions, patients should breathe through the nose or use a scarf to cover the mouth to warm and humidify the air before inhalation.

Nguyen (According to Times of India)