7 Tips to Overcome Asthma When You Exercise

Asthma doesn’t have to derail your life or your exercise routine. It’s possible to get the benefits of exercise without leaving you gasping for air. 

You can plan around your asthma triggers and monitor your symptoms while exercising. At  Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina in Prosper, Texas, we believe every patient deserves to feel their best. We work with you to create a customized asthma management plan that fits your body, goals, and environment. 

Let’s explore seven doctor-approved ways you can manage asthma while exercising. 

Overcome asthma while exercising 

Exercise-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is common. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, EIB affects 90% of people with asthma. Even Olympic athletes experience EIB. 

1. Know your triggers 

Your environment can bring on asthma attacks by shrinking your airways. Factors like cold air, high pollen counts, and air pollution can make breathing more difficult. 

When you recognize that any of these factors trigger your asthma symptoms, you can opt to exercise indoors when possible. Additionally, you can cover your mouth with a mask or scarf to help. 

2. Use your inhaler strategically 

Your inhaler is more than a safety net. It can also help you relax your airways and prevent breathing problems. The trick is to go slowly. Warm up before your exercise session, and use your inhaler 10-20 minutes before starting to “pre-treat” yourself.

1. Always warm up and cool down 

Walking or light stretching for 10 minutes before exercising may reduce asthma flare-ups. Instead of shocking your system, you’re easing into it. Then, once you finish the most vigorous part of your exercise, cool down to return your breathing to normal. This prevents sudden tightness. 

3. Choose asthma-friendly activities 

Some exercise types are easier on the lungs than others. If chlorine isn’t one of your triggers, swimming can be a good fit because it features warm, humid air. Walking is another great, low-impact activity for any level of fitness. You can always walk indoors on a treadmill or in place. 

If you’re focused on high cardio, aim for HIIT training (high-intensity interval training), which is short bursts of activity followed by rest.

Yoga and Pilates, or even light biking, can work well too.  

1. Monitor your symptoms 

If you start coughing, wheezing, or feel a tightness in your chest during or after exercise, these are signals that your asthma isn’t fully controlled. 

It’s possible to experience these asthma-like symptoms even hours after you finish exercising. If you can make a quick note on your phone when this happens, this is valuable information for your medical team.

4. Stay hydrated and use breathing techniques

Staying hydrated keeps your mucus thin, which can help make breathing easier. Additionally, learning a couple of different breathing techniques can help. For example, deep belly breathing or pursed-lip breathing can help you use your lungs more efficiently. 

1. Listen to your body 

Work with your lungs, not against them. If you feel short of breath, dizzy, or have chest pains, rest and use your rescue inhaler. 

Don’t push through an asthma flare-up. 

Expert advice 

You can have asthma and still have an active life. Dr. Thomas Fowler at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina can help you develop a well-functioning plan for you. Schedule an appointment online to start feeling your best.