Answer To Your Fitness Questions" />Exercise Induced Asthma
September 8, 2008
The current research and consensus say those with EIB should be encouraged to exercise regularly. It may not decrease the attacks, but aerobic conditioning will decrease the attacks due to the ventilaroty requirement for any exercise workout. Those that do have this should be involved with an aerobic program at least 3-4 times per week at a very comfortable intensity for a minimum of 20 minutes. And use the rate of perceived exertion to monitor the intensity.
Flexibility should be used for these clients as well, as it promotes relaxation and improves lung function.Strength training should be used with caution and avoid lifting heavy weight, in other words follow the standard resistance-training recommendations.
However, there could be possible environmental triggers as well if it keeps persisting. Those triggers could be low humidity, dry air, pollution, pollens or other contaminants. But we have found that many positive factors concerning the environment is a warm, humid environment year round. Walking, biking and hiking are better than other things to trigger her EIB.
Now, if you happen to have an attack during your exercise, the best thing to do during it’s occurance is to immediately reduce exercise intensity so that you can administer your inhaler or the action plan you have set up for yourself. Do NOT try to get through the attack or stop abruptly. Both are not the best solution. Take deep breaths in through the nose and extend through the belly, then out through the mouth and drawing in the belly.
Now since my daughter has this problem regularly, she uses her inhaler prior to her exercise, at least 20-30 minutes. You may want to try this as well.
EIB is a highly preventalbe and treatable condition that will even affect the most prominant athletes. With treatment and appropriate precautions your exercise program can and will be successful, even in the most strenuous of activities.
However, if the symptoms continue to persist, make sure you get with your doctor.
Asthma Exercise
September 1, 2008
1) Keep well-hydrated during asthma exercise. This will reduce accumulation of mucous which will reduce the chance of an attack.
2) Make sure you use diaphragmatic breathing. Inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaing through your mouth.
3) Possibly exercise qat your lower end of your target heart rate. Then adding interval training to increase cardiovascular improvements over time.
4) Be aware of the triggers in the environment. A warm, humid place reduces the exposure to contaminants. Consider the pool environment for exercise asthma.
5)Take extra time to warm up and cool down. Possibly 5-10 minutes longer. Gradually decrease your intensity.
6)Always have your medication or inhaler nearby in case of attack. You know your early signs of warning.
7) Always listen to your body. No one knows best but you.
If you have asthma exercise, it does not mean you have to be inactive, quite the contrary it is the opposite. As long as you and your doctor are comfortable with your level of exercise nothing should stop you from enjoying your activities.
