Exercise

Some people with asthma find that exercise triggers their asthma symptoms. However, exercise is good for everyone, including people with asthma. If your asthma is well controlled, you should be able to join in, have fun and keep fit.

If your asthma symptoms get worse during or after exercise it could be a sign that your asthma is poorly controlled and you may need to visit your doctor or asthma nurse for an asthma review.
Man and woman jogging through city.

Tips on exercising with asthma

  • Make sure the people you are exercising with know you have asthma.
  • Increase your fitness levels gradually.
  • Always have your reliever inhaler with you when you exercise.
  • If exercise triggers your asthma use your reliever inhaler immediately before you warm up.
  • Ensure that you always warm up and down thoroughly.
  • Try not to come into contact with things that trigger your asthma.
  • If you have symptoms when you exercise, stop, take your reliever inhaler and wait until you feel better before starting again.
  • If you use preventer medicine, take it as prescribed by your doctor or asthma nurse.

Boys playing football in team strips.

What are the best types of exercise for people with asthma?

If your asthma is under control, you should be able to do any sport or exercise that you enjoy. However, you might like to try the following:

  • Yoga (helps to relax the body and improve your breathing technique)
  • Fitness classes involving short periods of aerobic exercise
  • Team sports such as football or hockey are less likely to cause asthma symptoms as they are played in brief bursts with short breaks in between.
  • Swimming is usually an excellent form of exercise for most people with asthma. The warm humid air in the swimming pool is less likely to trigger symptoms of asthma. However, chlorine and swimming in cold water can trigger some people's asthma.

Some sports and activities, for example, scuba-diving, climbing, hiking or skiing at high altitudes or in cold weather, can cause problems for some people with asthma. Speak to your doctor or asthma nurse if you are thinking about doing any of these activities.

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