EIA can also be greatly reduced you pace yourself so that you can nose-breathe while exercising. At first this will mean walking or jogging slowly, but over a short period of time fitness and speed will improve. It is virtually impossible to breathe through the nose when swimming but because breathing is not fast or continuous this does not seem to be a problem. Unless the asthmatic is allergic to chlorine or finds cold water makes him breathless then swimming is another good thing to do regularly for fitness. Again, don't forget to keep an inhaler in your bag close to the pool.
Sports or forms of exercise which require more effort need to be approached cautiously until you reach the level of physical fitness required.
Sports and activities more likely to trigger Asthma
- Running
- Cycling
- Aerobics
- Soccer
- Cross-country skiing
Sports and activities less likely to trigger Asthma
- Swimming
- Walking
- Volleyball
- Baseball
- Weight Lifting
- Sprints
- Golf
- Tennis
- Football
Warming Up & Down
A good warm up may help to reduce EIA. Try walking, jogging or skipping, stretching exercises, and running rapidly on the spot for 30 seconds, followed by a sixty second rest. Build up the level of intensity gradually.When you have finished exercising take the time to warm-down. Do not stop suddenly as this can aggravate the airways by allowing temperature and humidity to change abruptly. Take a 10 minute warm down, including walking and stretching.
Medication and Sport
Asthmatics should compete at a sporting level that they can manage. It is pointless to exercise at such a level that it gives you asthma. It is vital to carry your inhaled reliever with you. Keep it in your pocket or bag and use it when you begin to get asthma symptoms.People exercising in organised sports will need to find out about the rules of taking prescribed drugs by contacting their national sporting organisation or the national sports drug agency. For example, inhaled steroids such as Flixotide, Becotide and Pulmicort are permitted in competitions but Prednisone is not. The higher the competition, the more important this will be.
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.buteyko.co.nz)
