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PharmEasy Blog

Exercise for Asthma: Benefits, Tips and More

This is a question everyone wonders about. Did you know that people who exercise regularly are almost 2.5 times better at taking control of their asthma as compared to those who don’t? This was discovered through a study of 643 adults with asthma published in 2015 in the journal BMJ Open Respiratory Research. 

Asthma can make exercising more challenging as one finds it hard to breathe. While many people want to skip physical activities as they think it triggers asthma, they tend to miss out on the key benefits of exercising, including taking better control of their asthma. But before you begin, don’t forget to talk to your doctor about the safe limits of exercise you can engage in. 

Which exercises are best for asthma?

While not all exercises are suitable for people with asthma, the following are some exercises that will not exacerbate the symptoms and can help decrease the frequency of such attacks:

1. Swimming:

One of the best exercises for people with asthma is swimming, as it builds up the muscles a person uses for breathing. It also exposes the lungs to a lot of moist and warm air, which makes it less likely to trigger asthma. A comprehensive medical review of eight studies of children and adolescents from 2013 showed that swimming increases lung function and cardiopulmonary fitness without any serious side effects in people with stable asthma.

2. Walking:

Walking is a form of exercise that can be easily incorporated into one’s daily routine. A study published in 2006 showed that regular exercise, such as walking, improved symptoms of breathlessness (dyspnea) in subjects with moderate to severe chronic lung disease.

According to an asthma survey conducted in the UK, 69 per cent of people with asthma said that they enjoyed walking as a form of exercise. With so many apps and devices available today, it is easier to keep track of the number of steps completed in a day. It would be beneficial to walk instead of taking a car or public transport and achieve the set goal for the day.

3. Yoga:

Yoga is said to be another great form of exercise for people with asthma as it practices breathing control. A 12-week study in 2009 showed a significant improvement in asthma symptoms and lung function in subjects who practised breathing exercises twice a day, for 20 minutes each.

Yoga poses such as the Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) and the Sitting Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) expand the chest area and allow for better inhalation. Similarly, breathing practices such as the Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique (Nadi Shodhan Pranayama) are beneficial in reducing mucus congestion.

4. Racquet sports:

Racquet sports, such as badminton or table tennis, involve less running around when compared to other forms of exercise. These sports allow one to disburse energy with regular rests between games and also have access to water so that there is no dehydration which can aggravate exercise-induced asthma.

Tips for exercising with asthma

There are steps you can take to exercise safely with severe asthma:

Carry the inhaler

It is important to always have the reliever inhaler by your side when you are exercising with asthma. If you feel the asthma symptoms are being triggered, take a break and take the inhaler and make sure that the symptoms subside before you get back to your exercise regime.

Warm-up

It is vital to acclimate the body to physical exertion before jumping into any kind of physical activity when exercising with asthma. Hence it is advisable to spend 5 to 10 minutes doing light warm-up exercises before starting any workout. One would not want to shock the system of the human body. Always keep in mind to always pace the body throughout the workout to avoid overexertion. Do not forget to have a cool-down session after the exercise.

Take precautions when it’s cold

It is important to take extra measures of precaution when dealing with cold weather. Wrap a scarf loosely around the mouth and nose to warm the air before it enters the airways. If one knows that cold weather triggers asthma, then it is best advised to stay indoors. Try to stick to activities which do not require a person to step outside, like yoga or walking on a treadmill.

Avoid pollen & pollution

It is important to stay away from pollen when a person with a history of asthma is exercising. Always make sure to check the weather report for pollen counts and air quality. If the report is not good, then it is best to opt for indoor activities. Also, stay away from busy roads and areas near factories. Always make sure that you inhale clean air as much as possible.

Also Read: Exercise to Increase Stamina: Science-Backed Strategies to Boost Your Endurance

Be consistent

Regular physical activity can lead to better management of asthma and its symptoms, especially in obese patients. A randomised controlled trial of 55 obese subjects showed significant clinical improvement in asthma control after being assigned to an exercise regime for 3 months.

Doctor’s consent 

One should avoid exercising if symptoms of asthma are present. Exercise is good for people with controlled symptoms of asthma. Talk to your doctor and understand the dos and don’ts of exercising if you are diagnosed with asthma. Stop exercising and consult a doctor immediately if you notice breathing difficulty or wheezing. 

Brought to you by CIPLA.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can make it difficult to breathe. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages, but it is more common in children. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Asthma attacks, or episodes of worsening symptoms, can range from mild to severe and can be triggered by various factors, including exposure to allergens, respiratory infections, and exercise.

Here are some frequently asked questions about asthma:

1. My child suffers from allergic rhinitis. Is he more likely to suffer from asthma in future?

Allergies tend to co-exist. Around one-fifth of individuals with rhinitis develop asthma in their later life.

2. How is asthma diagnosed?

Asthma is diagnosed on the basis of medical history, symptoms, and physical examination. The doctor may also recommend breathing tests, such as the Peak Flow Meter test or the Spirometry test, to know the lung power and capacity.. Children below 6 years of age may not be able to perform these tests. One cannot diagnose asthma with a chest X-ray, though sometimes it is done to rule out any other cause for breathing problems, such as foreign bodies in the lungs or chest infections.

Asthma is a lifelong, or chronic breathing problem caused by swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs. It cannot be cured, but it can be prevented and controlled. When you have asthma, your airways are super sensitive, or “twitchy.” They may react to many things. These things are called triggers.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

3. Can I donate blood if I take asthma medications?

Most asthma medications do not prevent people from donating blood. As long as one is not experiencing asthma symptoms, one can donate blood. Consult the doctor for more information.

4. My 8-year-old daughter has Asthma. Can she be cured?

While asthma symptoms can be very well  controlled with the correct treatment, one cannot promise of complete cure. …

5. Do I have to be worried about my child using inhalers on a daily basis? Will he get addicted?

Taking inhalers every day does not cause addiction. It is the same as brushing one’s teeth…

6. Can I have sex if I have asthma?

Yes, one can have sex even if one has asthma. If asthma affects one’s sexual life, it means that the asthma is not well controlled, and one needs to consult a doctor.

7. Does asthma come and go?

For some, asthma symptoms may worsen during certain seasons because of exposure to triggers…

8. I think my friend has asthma, and he is ignoring the symptoms. Can it be fatal?

One often gets an asthma attack when one comes in contact with a trigger. If not managed properly, an asthma attack can be fatal.

9. Do asthma attacks damage the lungs?

Frequent asthma attacks can cause narrowing and scarring of airways. The best way to prevent this kind of damage to the lungs is to avoid lung irritants and take a controller (preventer) inhaler and any other medications as prescribed by one’s doctor.

10. Is asthma curable?

Asthma can be completely controlled, but unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for it…

11. I am 60 years old. Can asthma affect my blood pressure?

No, asthma has no direct effect on blood pressure. However, one must consult their doctor for more information.

12. Can I drink alcoholic beverages while using an inhaler?

While there is no direct information regarding alcohol use and inhaler medication, one must always consult the doctor about drinking alcohol while taking any medication.

13. I am a 32-year-old woman. Recently flowers and perfumes have been making it difficult for me to breathe. That’s not normal, is it?

Allergy and asthma can develop at any age. If one develops a breathing problem at any age, one should consult a doctor.

There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with proper treatment. This may include using medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, as well as lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and exercising regularly.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Asthma Attack | Symptoms And Triggers

Asthma is characterised by the narrowing or contraction of the airway’s smooth muscle in response to triggers. During an asthma attack, the narrowing of the airways makes it extremely difficult for a person to breathe. Common symptoms are coughing, chest tightening, wheezing and a rattling sound in the chest. An Asthma attack can be triggered by exposure to asthma allergens such as pollen, dust, mites, cockroaches or animal dander, smoke, chemical fumes and strong odours, such as perfume.

Symptoms of a severe asthma attack can be:

• Inability to talk more than short phrases
• Marked breathlessness
• Drowsiness
• Whistling sound while breathing
• Discoloured (blue or grey) lips, face or nails
• Extreme difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty talking or walking
• Extreme anxiety or panic caused by breathing difficulty
• Chest pain
• Rapid pulse and a pale, sweaty face

Symptoms of a mild asthma attack can improve with the correct asthma treatment, such as inhalers and controller & reliever medications prescribed by the doctor. However, the symptoms of an asthma attack can vary from person to person. One can make sure to consult a doctor regarding their particular symptoms and know what actions must be taken when they experience those symptoms. To note these actions, the asthmatic has to prepare an asthma action plan with his or her doctor, to control and prevent the symptoms and act immediately during emergencies. By recognising the symptoms early, one can reduce the risk of a severe asthma attack.  A severe asthma attack can be dangerous to one’s life and therefore, a delay in treatment will only worsen it more.

An asthma attack can be triggered by various things, from allergies to illnesses.

The most common triggers of an asthma attack include:

• Exposure to an allergen, such as dust mites, animal dander or pollen
• Irritants such as smoke, chemical fumes and strong odours
• Respiratory infections
• Rigorous exercise, which can lead to exercise-induced asthma
• Cold weather, dry air or humidity
• Gastro oesophagal reflux (GERD)
• Intense emotions or stress

An asthma attack can be mild, moderate, severe or life-threatening. If a person is experiencing a severe asthma attack, quick-relief medicine can be taken but immediate medical attention is required after that. It is important to visit the nearest hospital without any delay, as it can be a life-threatening asthma attack. Here are some steps that can be followed as immediate actions for someone experiencing the symptoms of an asthma attack.

What to do during an asthma attack?

Every asthmatic must have an asthma action plan. This action plan will include information on what must be done in emergency situations. This action plan will have three zones based on the severity of the condition. This action plan will guide the person through what medicines can be given or what action needs to be taken. It will also have the contact of the nearest hospital, the doctor and the caregiver of the asthmatic.

The action plan has to be shared with family and close friends of the asthmatic so that they can be prepared for emergencies. Taking preventive measures as per the doctor’s instructions is the most important thing for an asthmatic. Taking the controller inhaler medications is a must, but some asthmatics may still show symptoms after taking medications regularly.

An asthmatic can also follow these four steps if he or she is experiencing the symptoms of an asthma attack:

• Sit upright and loosen the clothes.
• Take a prescribed reliever inhaler without any delay.
• If no relief is seen in 5 minutes after using the Reliever inhaler, take more doses of the reliever inhaler as prescribed by the doctor.
• If there is still no relief, it is important to call the doctor or visit the nearest hospital without delay. Do not exceed the Reliever inhaler dose without consulting a doctor.

If a person comes across anyone experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms of an asthma attack, it is important to take immediate action. While there is no cure for asthma, modern medicines have made it possible to control asthma symptoms. Recovery from an asthma attack depends on the reason/trigger of the attack. These triggers worsen the symptoms of asthma, but rescue inhalers can be used for symptomatic relief.

Brought to you by Cipla

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

What Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Asthma?

What are the most common symptoms of asthma?

• Wheezing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Bouts of coughing especially at night
• A feeling of pressure being exerted on the chest or a sensation of tightness or pain in the chest region

Early warning symptoms of asthma   –

• Repeated episodes of coughing, more frequently when you go to bed at night.
• You easily become short of breath.
• Feeling weary and tired after any physical activity.
• Wheezing unnaturally after you exercise.
• Difficulty in falling asleep.
• You may feel irritable and gloomy.
• Your peak respiratory flow may diminish.
• You frequently get an upper respiratory infection as well as allergies, throat ache, blocked sinuses, runny nose and congestion.

Asthma signs indicating that your condition is aggravating –

• More frequent episodes of wheezing (it won’t take much to trigger it).
• Your fits of coughing become more prolonged and may strike during both day and night.
• You will begin to feel as if a weight is pressing down on your chest.
• If you are using inhalators, your body’s response to medication will slow down.

The late Asthma symptoms –  

• You will wheeze severely both when you are inhaling and exhaling.
• Extremely labored breathing.
• You will feel as if your lungs are not getting the air that it needs.
• Extreme chest pain.
• Inability to exhale completely.
• A blue tinge on the lips and under the nails.
• You may sweat a lot and your face will turn pale.
• There could even be a panic attack.
• It will become difficult to speak.

What enhances the likelihood of Asthma symptoms?

• If you have eczema
• If people in your family have been diagnosed with asthma
• If you contracted bronchiolitis as a child
• Being born preterm

• You smoke
• Drink beer and wine or lemon juice
• Eating potatoes or pickled foods

A Complete Guide To Asthma Symptoms And Treatment!

Let’s begin with what asthma is –

What are the types of asthma?

• Bronchial asthma: The commonest form of asthma, this is the one that is initiated by a narrowing of the bronchial tubes.
• Allergic asthma: This kind of asthma results from being exposed to allergens such as air-borne matters like pollens from flowers, mould particles, fur shed by your pets.
• Non-allergic asthma: Here the attacks arise from cold air, air pollution, viral fevers, cleaning products, perfumes, etc.
• Asthma caused by exercise: Symptoms show up after a period of physical exertion.
• Occupational asthma: You may be exposed to substances at your place of work such as chemicals, particles or gases that can trigger an asthma attack.
• Nocturnal asthma: This kind of asthma strikes only at nights and prompts insomnia.

Childhood Asthma and Adult-Onset Asthma –

Childhood asthma –

Adult-onset asthma –

• Obesity
• Hormonal dysfunction in women
• Allergens
• Viruses or an infection
• Pregnancy
• Stress and anxiety
• Family history of asthma

What are the symptoms of Asthma?

• Breathlessness or inability to draw in a deep breath
• A sensation of tightness in the chest
• Bouts of coughing or wheezing
• Inability to go to sleep because of shortness of breath
• You may notice a whistling sound emanating from your airways when you breathe in
• Especially prolonged coughing or wheezing fits when you’ve caught a cold or the flu

When should you be concerned?

• Your regular asthma symptoms have become much more frequent or the time interval between two asthma attacks has narrowed
• You are having to use your inhaler more often
• The inhaler doesn’t seem to be helping

What is an asthma attack?

What should you do when you feel an asthma attack coming on?

Can asthma reoccur after childhood?

Asthma diagnosis –

Asthma Treatment –

Are there any home remedies for asthma?

• Coffee –

• Mustard oil –

• Essential oils –

Conclusion –