If you suffer from asthma

If you suffer from asthma

If you suffer from asthma, you probably think that you

 

can’t exercise properly or safely. Contrary to what

 

many think of this subject, there are ways that you

 

can get in shape and exercise, even if you suffer

 

from asthma.

 

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is marked by

 

characteristics such as coughing, wheezing, shortness

 

of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma tends to occur

 

with people who are genetically or environmentally

 

presdisposed to the condition.

 

Some of the triggers that may start or make an attack

 

worse include exposure to allergens, viral respiratory

 

infections, airway irritants, exercise, and exposure

 

to things such as dust mites or cockroaches.

 

You can prevent asthma attacks by doing the following:

 

1. Bathe your pets weekly.

 

2. Don’t smoke or permit smoking in your

 

home.

 

3. When mold or pollent counts are high,

 

you should stay inside with air conditioning.

 

4. Wash your bedding and any stuffed toys

 

at least once per week in hot water.

 

5. Wash your hands every chance you get.

 

6. Get a flu shot.

 

7. Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose in

 

the winter months.

 

8. Be proactive and know your triggers and

 

how you should avoid them.

 

Now that you know what you know about asthma, you

 

may be wondering where exercise fits in. As most

 

doctors will tell you, you shouldn’t give up on

 

sports or exercise at all. You just have to be

 

smart about how you play and take special pre

 

cautions to avoid attacks.

 

Almost all doctors agree that the best way to

 

prevent attacks during exercise is to keep your

 

inhaler and medication close by. You should never

 

use the inhaler more than 3 times during a game

 

or exercise session. If you are up the previous

 

night with coughing and wheezing, it’s always best

 

to go light with your exercise the next day.

 

For something known as IEA (Exercise Induced Asthma),

 

the symptoms are somewhat different, in the fact

 

that they appear after 6 – 10 minutes of exercise

 

and will often be worse in cold or dry air.

 

If you have IEA, there are several activities that

 

you can enjoy such as swimming, walking, biking,

 

downhill skiing, and team based sports. There are

 

many activities for you to choose from, to ensure

 

you get the exercise you need as well.

 

Keep in mind that the condition of asthma isn’t

 

“all in your head”, it is a real physiological

 

medical treatment that will require treatment to

 

prevent and treat. Even though your doctor will

 

be your best friend in treating asthma, you are

 

the one who can prevent your symptoms.

 

Always be smart, take your medication, and be

 

proactive. Don’t let it put you in a life of

 

misery – as you can enjoy exercise just like

 

everyone else.