Asthma advice - stay fit and active
29 March 2005

Regular exercise could improve symptoms and quality of life for people with asthma, said Asthma UK experts today, as the charity launched a new resource outlining how to exercise with confidence.

Forty per cent of people with asthma say that their condition stops them from taking exercise, yet research shows that active people can control their asthma symptoms better and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

'Stay Fit and Active' offers top tips for people with asthma, with advice on how to exercise and keep symptoms under control.

Tips include:

• always carry your reliever inhaler with you when you exercise;
• try to avoid your triggers (such as pollen for example)
• warm up and down to help avoid asthma symptoms developing.

'People are becoming more and more health conscious and there is no reason why the majority of people who have asthma shouldn't also take part in a regular exercise programme,' said Katie Shepherd, a specialist asthma nurse on Asthma UK's Adviceline.

'As long as you consult your GP or practice nurse beforehand, to check that your chosen form of exercise is appropriate and that your asthma is controlled effectively, you can take part in a wide range of sporting activities like everyone else.'