Health Tip: Asthmatics Don't Have to Stop Exercising

Suggestions for keeping active

Related Encyclopedia • Asthma • Asthma in Children • Asthma Treatment • Atelectasis More... Related Healthscout Videos Helium Helps Asthmatics Breathe Heavy Weight Battle Preventing Heart Disease the Easy Way Exercise and Parkinson's Disease More... Related Animations • Allergy • Asthma More... Related Drug Information • Advair Diskus • Combivent • Flovent • Flovent Diskus More... Related News Articles • Chronic Rhinosinusitis Gateway to Other Illnesses • Acupuncture, Exercise May Ease Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome • Severe COPD Linked to Mental Decline • Respiratory Issues Linger for Smallest Babies More...

(HealthDay News) -- Exercise is good for most people, even asthmatics who have their doctor's approval.

Text Continues Below

---

The American Council on Exercise offers these suggestions to help reduce your risk of an asthma attack while exercising:

• Keep your inhaler or other asthma medication nearby, in case you become short of breath during exercise.
• Warm up for at least 15 minutes before exercise.
• Take plenty of time to cool down, and slowly decrease your activity.
• Drink plenty of water before exercise.
• Don't exercise outdoors when air quality is compromised by allergens or pollution.
• Don't overexert yourself.
• Breathe deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Don't push yourself too much. Give yourself a break, especially if it feels like you're on the verge of an asthma attack.

-- Diana Kohnle