Working out is one of the best things you can do to maintain your health and keep fit. But what if you have asthma?
People with asthma have inflamed airways that respond poorly to outside stimuli, like exercise or pollution. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath and chest tightness, making it difficult to work out without extra precautions.
But you don't have to give up your health goals just because you have asthma—you just need to understand how your body reacts while exercising and how to manage those reactions, so they don't get in the way of your workout routine or cause any lasting damage.
If you suffer from asthma, then working out can be a difficult task. It requires that you have good breathing techniques, which are required to maintain your health. However, this blog discusses some ways you can work out, even if you have asthma.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes the airways in your lungs to swell and narrow, making it difficult for you to breathe. Several things can trigger it, including exercise, cold weather, pollen, and dust mites. When you're diagnosed with asthma, you will likely be recommended an inhaler or other medication to help control symptoms. However, if you have asthma and want to work out regularly at the gym or participate in sports, you should work closely with your doctor to determine how much physical activity is safe for you.
Many people with asthma can participate in regular exercise without any issues. However, if your symptoms flare up when you exercise, you must talk with your doctor about how best to proceed.
Exercise is a great way to improve your health, but for people with asthma, it can be a challenge. Exercise increases airflow and can trigger asthma symptoms. However, exercise also has many benefits for people with asthma, including:
If you're someone who suffers from asthma, you may have a hard time figuring out how to go about working out.
The first thing to know about asthma is that it causes inflammation in the airways, which leads to shortness of breath and coughing. It's important to know that while exercise can trigger an asthma attack, it can also help improve your symptoms and even reduce the severity of your attacks.
If you want to start exercising but are worried about your asthma, here are some tips for getting started:
Talk to Your Doctor First
A healthcare professional can tell you whether or not it's safe for you to exercise with asthma. They'll also be able to give you advice on how much exercise is right for you and how often you should do it.
Warm up beforehand
Warm up for five minutes before starting any activity that involves heavy breathing or strenuous activity, such as running or weight training. This helps prevent muscle cramps and strain as well as improves circulation.
Take your inhaler with you while you work out
Your doctor may prescribe a rescue inhaler before physical activity. With the help of these inhaled medications, you'll be able to breathe more easily, even when working up a sweat.
Choose an Exercise That Works for You
There are many different exercises, so find one that suits your needs best! If running isn't ideal because it makes breathing harder, try swimming or biking instead. And if walking outside is too difficult due to pollen allergies or other factors, try an indoor elliptical machine instead. Finding what works best for you is the key.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water or sports drinks before, during, and after exercise to prevent dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of fluid after exercising in hot weather or when it's hot indoors — especially if your workout lasted longer than 30 minutes or was very intense.
Know your triggers and symptoms
If certain weather conditions or environments trigger asthma attacks, avoid them when working outdoors or inside a gym. If you find yourself experiencing shortness of breath or chest pain during exercise, stop and consult your doctor immediately.
Takeaway
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can cause frequent bouts of wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. People with asthma should always see a doctor for treatment, but if you have an urgent need for a doctor's note or online scripts and can't make it to the office—or you're just too busy to go—Prime Medic can help.
We offer online doctors certificates in Australia for most medical conditions, including respiratory conditions like asthma and other illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Our telehealth services are available 24/7 and let you get the required medical certificate online without leaving your home or office.