5 Best Exercises for Asthma Patients

5 Best Exercises for Asthma Patients

exercise for asthma

Asthma is a problem of the lungs, where the oxygen supply to the lungs is restricted causing shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, etc.If not handled at the right time, asthma can become quite dangerous and might require hospital admission for treatment. It seems that people suffering from asthma cannot exercise as minimal exertion causes shortness of breath. But the most interesting thing is that certain types of exercises are great for treating asthma. You might not know that many athletes who participate in the Olympics suffer from asthma, but they manage to keep it under control and make successful performances in the games.


It is important to know as how asthma symptoms can be managed and prevented before beginning any kind of exercise schedule for asthma. Moreover, there are certain exercises, which are especially suitable for asthma patients. Some of these exercises include:


Strolling - Great for Asthma Patients

When compared with other kinds of workouts, taking a stroll seems to be quite a simple and easy thing. But strolling or walking is one of the best exercises, which can help in combating various kinds of health disorders including asthma. Along with increasing your lung capacity manifold times, this exercise helps in retaining perfect figure. Try walking for about 30 minutes every day, minimum 5 days in a week. You can feel the results in quick time. As an asthmatic, here are a few tips you should follow before beginning to walk. Before heading out for the stroll, use the inhaler. Do not go out for walking if weather conditions are bad and not favorable. Bad air quality days should be strictly avoided. When the weather is very cold outside, wrap a scarf around the mouth and nose area so that the warmness prevents asthma attacks.


Playing Baseball

Playing baseball is a great idea for people who suffer from asthma. This is because this sport activity does not involve rigorous running or other kind of physical strain and pressure. There is plenty of down time in this game as well, so it is not that exhausting. Even though baseball is an extremely safe game for asthma sufferers, it is always recommended to keep inhalers and other medications handy so that in case of problems immediate steps can be taken. Research has proved that almost 75% children who enjoyed and played baseball did not have a handy rescue inhaler.


Yoga

Yoga for asthma

Yoga can be considered as the magic ingredient, which can help in dealing with the problem of asthma successfully. Breathing exercises in yoga can help in activating more areas in the lungs and keep them in good condition. Healthy lungs mean that proper amount of oxygen can get into the body and the organs function well. As per study reports it has been found that people who practiced Hatha yoga for at least 30 minutes in a day for about 10 weeks could reduce their asthma medication considerably. Proper breathing techniques are taught in the yoga lessons leading to better lung functionality.


Downhill Skiing

It is true that normal cross-country skiing can prove to be detrimental for an asthma patient. The cold air and the strenuous activity will lead to the drying of the airways thus increasing breathing problems significantly. But downhill skiing is not that strenuous for the body and the airways are not pressurized so much as well. Though the air is cool, but there is no other strain that the body has to take in downhill skiing. Choosing an easy trail is also recommended for people who complain of asthma or shortness of breath.


Swimming - Perfect for Asthma Sufferers

Swimming for asthma sufferers

It is believed that swimming is a complete exercise as every small part of the body is involved in this exercise. In swimming, one breathes in air, which is highly humidified and warm. Moreover, swimming makes one stay in the horizontal position for quite some time and this posture helps in loosening the mucus deposition, which is mainly found in the bottom of the lungs. Just keep one thing in mind, while trying swimming. Check that the pool does not have excessive chlorine as this chemical has shown results of triggering asthma.


Along with the above-mentioned exercises, jogging and running are great for combating the problem of asthma. If you are still confused, you can get in touch with leading pulmonologists in Hyderabad or the city you live inso they can recommend the most suitable exercises for you, depending on the extent of the problem and the type. In doing the exercises on a daily basis, there might be no need of inhalers and asthma medications in the future.

Reviewed By:

Dr. Kaushal M. Bhavsar (MBBS, MD)

Assistant Professor in Pulmonary Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Ahmedabad