Top tips to help asthma sufferers exercise safely

Many asthmatics worry that exercise will worsen their symptoms, or even cause an attack. Though it's possible that exercise could trigger an attack, this is avoidable in almost all cases. In fact, asthmatics can safely exercise, and doing so is extremely beneficial. But there are some points to consider to help prevent aggravating your condition.

Improving your fitness will almost certainly ease your asthma symptoms, in both exercise and everyday life.

Exercise is likely to ease your symptoms because improved fitness causes physical adaptations that reduce the amount of oxygen you need to breathe. When you're more fit your lungs and airways also become efficient. With this improved efficiency, your asthma will likely be less easily triggered.

Also, remember that when you're anxious about having an attack, your body releases chemicals that make an attack far more likely. So, tip number one for exercising with asthma is simple: don't worry!

When you breathe normally, your nose and airways warm and moisten the air. During exercise, you breathe faster, making it more difficult for this to happen, leading to the inhalation of colder, drier air. This is especially the case when you breathe through your mouth.

Breathing in this cold dry air is problematic for people with asthma because it's this sort of air (especially when it suddenly becomes cold and dry), that is believed to trigger asthma symptoms.

A good way to help keep the air you're breathing in from being cold and dry is to wear a mask or scarf over your nose and mouth. You should also try to breath through your nose whenever possible.

People with some types of asthma are more susceptible to having the condition complicate exercise than others.

For example, if you have exercise-induced asthma, you'll want to ask your doctor what sorts of activities are right for you.

Also, occupational and allergy-induced asthma can be affected when the air is laced with allergens and other particles, such as pollen.

If you're asthma is sensitive to these kinds of particles, or when it is extremely cold or arid outside, exercise indoors.

Before beginning any exercise programme, speak to your doctor. They can help ascertain your current needs, as well as advise you on appropriate activities and prescribe any medications that may be helpful or necessary.

Immediately before you exercise, make sure you use your pre-exercise inhaler or bronchodilator if you've been prescribed one. Doing so will provide you with your first line of defence.

Always perform warm-up stretches and exercises to raise your heart and breathing rate gradually.

If you have an infection, such as a cold, it is recommended that you don't exercise. But if you do choose to exercise in these cases, take it easy.

While exercising, stay at a level that is appropriate for you. Don't jump into the activity too deeply too suddenly, since doing so could cause excess stress and induce an asthma attack.

If you feel any symptoms arising, take a break and assess the situation. It's also a good idea to have your inhaler with you to be safe.

When you first start exercising seriously despite your asthma, you may be nervous. This is fine. Know and trust your medications. Build up your activity level gradually, and you'll reap the benefits of exercise.

To ease your mind, it may be an idea to exercise with friends at first.

And, above all, remember that asthma doesn't necessarily have to hold you back.