Avoiding Exercise? You Don’t Have To With Asthm-active Life

Living with Asthma

It is not easy for an asthmatic to manage life alongside symptoms. The triggers can inhibit asthmatics from following simple exercises, let alone any laborious tasks. Anything from weather change to unassuming dust irritants can trigger an asthma episode, and they would rather play it safe. But, should asthma put a full stop to an active lifestyle?

Activity and Asthma

Even though mild to moderate exercise daily is beneficial for asthmatics in long term asthma management, it can come with certain risks. Exercise Induced Bronchospasm (EIB), can occur within 5-20 minutes after starting the exercise, or 5-10 minutes after the brief exercise is stopped. Such bouts of EIB often demotivate them from pursuing an active and fit lifestyle.

However, with the right asthma management plan, it can help them embark on a journey from being Asthmatic to Asthm-active!

Regular Activity for Asthma Management

Gentle and low-intensity activities have been found to be ideal for asthmatics. Regular brisk walks on a treadmill or outdoors can make breathing easier. Such workouts in right amount and intensity ensure an uptick in regularity and even confidence. Though this is recommended, it doesn’t serve as a sure-fire measure to escape an attack. As a precautionary measure, asthmatics must ensure to always carry a reliever inhaler and adhere to the prescribed medication.

Airflow obstruction that occurs due to exercise is called bronchoconstriction (EIB) or bronchospasm. It occurs due to the contraction of the muscular coat of the bronchial tubes. Quick reliever medications such as bronchodilator or short acting beta agonists (SABA) can be taken to control the symptoms that occur during exercise. Bronchodilators are relievers that ‘dilate’ the bronchus, and are used for immediate relief of symptoms as they have a quick effect on them. It can be used 3 to 4 times per day, but frequent use can indicate the poor control of asthma or use of controller medications. Short acting beta agonists (SABA) can be taken before 15-20 minutes of the exercise, as it helps to prevent asthma symptoms for 4 to 6 hours. They are also used for relieving symptoms of acute attacks. These medications help to prevent the late phase reaction of Exercise Induced Asthma that some asthmatics may experience. Asthmatics should remember that they must be able to take part in activities, sports and exercise and EIB can’t keep them from leading an Asthm-active life!

Ideal Activities for Asthma patients

While all asthmatics experience different symptoms, the right kind of exercise in the right measure can help them decrease asthma symptoms by improving lung health. Exercising helps to benefit overall health, especially lung health. It makes the muscles stronger and efficient, demanding the amount of oxygen required for physical exertion. If a person is properly hydrated, exercise can also loosen nasal congestion and open the sinuses. These simple breathing exercises can help open the airways and reduce the effort of breathing.

• Diaphragmatic breathing – This exercise helps in contraction of the diaphragm, expansion of the belly, decreases the respiration frequency and maximizes the amount of blood gases i.e. the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolved in blood.
• Nasal breathing–Breathing from the nose has two advantages, it filters the windpipe and clears the pathway for air. Nasal breathing helps a person to breathe with full capacity. Restricted breathing can decrease respiratory function and energy levels in the body.
• Pursed lip breathing – This can be practiced by breathing through the nose keeping the mouth closed and when exhaling must purse the lips like done when blowing a candle. It slows the breathing and helps to take more oxygen in.

Monitor Asthma At Home

During these times, asthmatics must regularly monitor their asthma at home. With the peak flow meter one can easily keep a record of symptoms. Any unusual record must be discussed with the doctor, and also an asthma management plan should be made after consulting the doctor. It is good to be prepared so that the steps to manage symptoms at home are clear. If an asthmatic knows about his allergies or triggers he must avoid them as much as possible. This will help to keep the lungs clear and healthy. One must check if all the prescriptions are up to date.

Lockdown and Asthma Management

With the current lockdown in effect, just as everyone, asthmatics too are restricted from pursuing outdoor activities. But it is possible to follow exercises for effective symptom management. Physical activities such as, swimming, walking, yoga, and meditation can also prove to be beneficial for asthmatics. These activities can help to normalize the everyday active routine of asthmatics.Taking breaks during workout, as and when the body requires rest is very important. One can always consult a doctor before following an exercise routine.

After all, lockdown like asthma symptoms is only temporary. To know more, read about ways to monitor asthma at home. Life will continue regardless, and so will the lives of asthmatics.