Work Out That Asthma

The conventional wisdom today for children and adults with asthma is in most cases, exercise can lessen the severity of symptoms and often help reduce their medication.

Exercise-induced asthma affects about 80 per cent of people with allergic asthma, says Dr Robert Eitches, assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of California. Symptoms, which include coughing, wheezing, a tightness in the chest and shortness of breath, can be triggered by breathing faster and through the mouth, which occurs during exercise. The air that’s breathed in is usually dryer and cooler than air inhaled through the nose. Other factors, such as pollution and pollen can also worsen symptoms.

Decades ago, doctors recommended rest, rest and more rest for asthma patients. This can set up a vicious cycle, says Dr Guy Soo Hoo, a pulmonary critical care specialist with the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, ‘‘You don’t feel well, so you exercise less, and soon you can hardly do anything.’’ A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, which also can worsen asthma symptoms. Cardiovascular exercise can actually alleviate problems, adds Soo Hoo. ‘‘When cardio endurance improves, you can deliver more oxygen to your muscles,’’ he explains. ‘‘You need to breathe less to do the same amount of work.’’ In recent years, Olympic and professional athletes have begun to speak out about their battles with asthma. Within those ranks are track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Olympic swimmer Debbie Meyer.

Even with proper diagnosis and medication, many people don’t know how to exercise properly, and drop out after doing too much too soon. ‘‘Don’t expect to run a marathon right away,’’ says Eitches. ‘‘Do it slowly and work up.’’ He also advises anyone experiencing an acute episode of asthma to refrain from working out until they are healthier. Also, try some nasal breathing exercises to ‘‘get the lungs ready for physical activity,’’ he says.

Because cold air can trigger an asthma attack, morning exercisers might do better indoors. If high pollen counts and smog trigger symptoms, avoid outdoor workouts at peak times as well. Swimming is advised for asthmatics, because the air that’s breathed is moist and warm.

Since Kyle started exercising five months ago and using an inhaler, she says she has more energy. ‘‘Daily errands used to tire me out, but I can do everything now. It’s not a problem.’’

LATWP