Asthma treatment is basically a way to help a patient lead a normal and healthy lifestyle instead of suffering from the effects of the disease. This is done by undertaking a regime of exercise and other physical activities,regular medications, avoiding allergic triggers and monitoring lung function etc. If the asthma symptoms do not allow you to fully participate in physical activities then you may need a small change in the asthma action plan. This will provide the required asthma relief during any exercise or activity.
THE MOST SUITABLE EXERCISES FOR ASTHMA
The exercise plan for an asthma patient can involve short, intermittent periods of exertion by taking activities like volleyball, gymnastics, baseball, and wrestling. These activities are found to be fairly well tolerated by asthma patients.
Activities that require long periods of exertion like distance running, basketball or field hockey may not be so well tolerated. Similarly sports in cold weather like skating, ice-hockey etc may pose serious problems. Though swimming which is an endurance sport is well tolerated by many asthma patients. This is because it is performed while breathing warm moist air and it is a good physical fitness activity. Other activities like cycling, aerobics, walking, running on treadmill are also beneficial for people with asthma.
HOW TO CONTROL ASTHMA DURING AN ACTIVITY?
First and foremost consult your doctor and chalk out an action plan for your activity or exercise and then only indulge in it.
Take care to use the pre exercise asthma medicine like bronchodilators if it is required into the action plan.Do the necessary warm ups and cool down before and after the exercise
In cold weather wear a mask or scarf over the mouth and nose or exercise indoors
If prone to allergies do not exercise outside when the pollution count is high
Restrict exercise when there is an attack of cold or some infection
Keep the exercise well within the levels already planned
An active life ensures mental and physical health and asthma need not come in the way of a healthy lifestyle.
WHAT IF THERE IS AN ASTHMA ATTACK DURING ACTIVITY?
If there is a sudden appearance of asthma symptoms during exercise, then immediately stop and follow the instructions as given in the action plan. It is safe to keep the inhaler handy and use it as instructed by your physician. If you still feel the symptoms are not stopping then reach for the nearest medical centre or hospital.