Exercising can trigger asthma symptoms in asthmatic adults. Many people with asthma may experience coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness during or after exercising. However, people with asthma can still participate in physical activity with proper instruction and treatment.
People with asthma may be prone to triggers when exercising in hot temperatures, in dry air, or during allergy seasons. But, if you’re asthmatic, you shouldn’t allow these elements to stop you from participating in fun physical activities. If you’re looking for ways to exercise without worrying about worsening symptoms, here are some of the best exercise tips for asthmatic adults.
How Can Exercising Help Asthma Symptoms
Regularly exercising can help manage your asthma, boost your immune system, and release endorphins—a “feel-good” chemical—throughout your body. Some exercises can help reduce your asthma symptoms by strengthening your lungs without causing or worsening inflammation.
By regularly exercising, over time, your airways will build up a tolerance to physical activities. The more you work out, the more your lungs will get used to consuming oxygen faster and help reduce asthma triggers.
Best Physical Activities for Asthmatic Adults
The best exercises for asthmatic adults are low-intensity or brief cardio exercises. These exercises are easier on your lungs and are less likely to trigger asthma episodes. You can try the following activities:
- Low-intensity hiking
- Swimming
- Walking
- Short-distance running
- Indoor-cycling
- Golfing
Tips for Asthmatic Adults While Exercising
Staying active is important for your overall health and wellness. Being asthmatic is not a reason to avoid exercising or participating in physical activity. However, before working out or starting any exercise, you should talk to your doctor so they can help steer you in the right direction.
We also recommend checking the expiration dates of your asthma treatments—such as an inhaler— to know when it’s the best time to replace your inhaler. Once you’ve got the okay from your doctor and your treatments are up-to-date, we suggest performing a warm-up exercise to help ease you into physical activity.
