How many of you struggle with asthma? I know there are quite a few out there who have some sort of issues with asthma. Whether it be exercise induced, seasonal along with allergies or chronic, it is an awful condition. I know because I have struggled with it since I was in the 4th grade. I had gotten sick and my mom took me to our family doctor and it turned out that I had pneumonia and that's when they diagnosed me with asthma. I still remember having to take all these different medicines that I had to rinse my mouth out every time I used it because it would cause some sort of rash on my throat, ugh, it was just not fun. Plus it was so hard not to be able to be active with my friends and run around and play, not good for someone like me who has always been active. We tried everything in order to keep it under control, drinking hot tea from a thermos I took to school everyday, the different meds and still was struggling. It was sad to say but this is how I thought I was going to have to live forever, not being able to breathe and it really scared me. As a junior high and high school athlete it was difficult at times but I knew that playing sports was what I was passionate about and even if it meant working through my asthma attacks I was going to play volleyball, basketball and track. I went on to play college volleyball and was still struggling and working through my asthma, it seemed that the medicines just weren't cutting it and it was controlling me, and I wasn't in control of IT. After college, I was lucky enough to be coaching an 8th grade girls club volleyball team and one of the dad's was an asthma/allergy doctor so I talked with him about it and he sent me some samples to try and OH MY GOODNESS! I used the medicine twice in the morning and twice in the evening and didn't have to use my rescue inhaler at all that week. He had me schedule an allergy testing with a specialist and they put me on those medicines and my life has TOTALLY CHANGED. I am now in control of my asthma, it's not controlling me!
Come to find out it was probably the best thing I could have done, research shows that exercise actually helps improve the respiratory system and strengths the lungs, and as the tolerance for physical exertion is built up over time, it is less likely that an asthmatic will experience an attack during exercise. And, in addition to reducing the risk of developing many other diseases, exercise can help those with asthma sleep better, reduce stress, and feel more energized. Asthmas is not a reason to lead an inactive lifestyle, it's best to see an asthma specialist if you can and have them figure out which is the best medicine for your specific needs.
Once you have received clearance from your doctor to begin an exercise program, consider the following:
Taking extra time to warm up before exercising a prolonged period of low-level aerobic activity will help prepare your body for higher-intensity exercise.
Exercise toward the lower end of your target heart rate. Exercises such as walking or swimming are great for asthmatics because they are low intensity and may be done for longer periods of time. Those who wish to participate in higher-intensity exercise, such as running or fast-paced sports, should slowly increase intensity over time.
Rest when necessary and listen to what your body is telling you. Strength-training exercises are unlikely to cause an asthma attack if you rest between sets.
Avoid exercising in polluted environments, or in cold or dry air. If you do exercise in cold air, wear a mask or scarf over your nose and mouth.
Don't rush through your cool down; extending it can help prevent the asthma attacks that occur immediately following an exercise session. A warm bath or shower may also help.
I'm by no means a doctor so please see a doctor before starting any type of intense training programs but also don't let it be a factor in you not being active. :)
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