Asthma Guidelines

Exercise Benefits

1. Makes it easier to perform normal daily activities with less shortness of breath.
2. Exercise can reduce the number and severity of exercise-induced asthma.

Exercise Guidelines

1. You should consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
2. You should have a bronchodilating inhaler with you at all times. This means it should be by your side and not in your gym bag inside your locker. Use it at the first sign of wheezing.
3. Start exercising with a low intensity. Increase intensity gradually over a long period of time. The more intense the exercise, the more likely it is that you will get an asthma attack.
4. Reduce the intensity of your exercise immediately should asthma symptoms occur.
5. Using your inhaler a few minutes before starting exercise may reduce the possibility of an asthma attack while you exercise.
6. Drink plenty of fluids before and during exercise.
7. Asthmatics warm-up and cool-down periods that are longer than normal (longer than 10 minutes).
8. Be aware that you may experience more asthmatic symptoms when exercising during periods of high pollen count, heavy air pollution, and high or low temperature.
9. When exercising in cold weather, wearing a face mask during exercise may prevent asthma attacks because the mask helps keep inhaled air more warm and moist.
10. Don't exercise during periods of active asthma attacks. Only exercise when your asthma is stabilized.
11. If you should have an asthma attack while exercising that is not relieved by your medication, immediately seek medical attention.

Type of Exercise
Walking, cycling and swimming are good choices. Exercises with a large upper-body component such as rowing or cross-country skiing are not good choices because they are high intensity exercises.

Exercise Intensity
Low to moderate intensity.

Exercise Frequency
Exercise at least three times a week.

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