Today is World Asthma Day. Asthma is a condition that affects a person’s airways, causing it to swell and become inflamed.

It narrows the breathing airways so that it produces extra mucus, which makes it difficult for the affected person to breathe.

This condition can be minor or it can interfere with daily activities. But in some cases, it may lead to life-threatening attacks.

Asthma may cause difficulty in breathing, chest pain, cough, and wheezing.

Today, on World Asthma Day, we will look at a problem many people with asthma face when they try to exercise known as Exercise-induced Asthma.

Exercise-induced asthma (medically called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction), kicks in within 5 to 10 minutes of a proper workout.

It happens when people breathe through their mouths while exercising or playing sports as air taken in through the mouth is dry, cold, and unfiltered.

This may trigger asthma, as many asthmatics are sensitive to cold temperatures, dry air, allergens, and pollution.

Below are the ways in which a person can handle exercise-induced asthma (EIA) and exercise cautiously yet fearlessly as explained by Dr. Avi Kumar, Consultant, Pulmonologist, at Fortis Escort Heart Institute, Delhi India.

1. Consult Your Doctor

Before you commence your exercise routine, consult your doctor. They can give you guidelines and tips with respect to the severity of your asthma. Your doctor might also have a say on the kind of activities that are safe for you.

2. Pay attention to your symptoms

While flushed skin, sweating, and increased heart-beat rate are normal signs of running, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath could be signs of an asthma attack.

3. Warm-up

Warming up before exercising prevents chest tightening.

4. Consider the environment

Do have a look at the weather forecast before heading out. Avoid exercising in extremely cold or hot weather, as it may trigger your symptoms. Look for the local pollen count and level of air pollution before heading out. Also, consider exercising inside if the levels are high.

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5. Exercise in the mornings

In the morning, the weather is mild, and the pollution level is low, which makes it a more suitable time to exercise for everyone, especially asthmatics.

6. Carry your inhaler

Under no condition should you forget to take your inhaler with you. Put a reminder on your door or your mobile phone, or permanently leave an inhaler in a work-out pouch, so you do not forget to carry it.

7. Choose asthma-friendly exercises

You can pick from activities like football, baseball, gymnastics, walking, hiking, biking, and running. Swimming in an indoor pool is also considered safe as it is a great aerobic exercise in a warm environment.

8. Breathe through a mask or scarf

This will reduce the risk of inhaling pollens or polluted air. It also pre-warms the air and reduces the risk of an attack.

Being asthmatic does not necessarily mean you cannot lead a normal life. Ensure you take your inhaler everywhere you go and see your doctor, who may also recommend some medicines that you can take before starting your exercise.

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