Any doctor will tell you that regular exercise is necessary in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. When you have asthma, that is even more important! Although it can seem scary to think about, consistent exercise can actually help you manage your asthma symptoms down the road.
Supporting your body to help it function its best will help you in all aspects of your life. If you have asthma, our staff at AFC Urgent Care Farragut can help you find a great balance between your desire to exercise and your diagnosis. Read on to learn more.
Why Is Exercise Important If I Have Asthma?
All asthma sufferers know that attacks happen when your airway becomes too swollen and inflamed to function properly. The most reliable way to help prevent attacks is to actually condition that airway!
Consistent exercise helps increase your endurance, strengthens your lungs and supporting muscles, and increases your lung capacity. All of that together helps give you control back over your asthma. If you are looking to start slowly when it comes to exercise, try some of these low-intensity sports below.
Asthma-Friendly Sports
- Golf
- Baseball/softball
- Biking
- Swimming (the moist air helps your lungs)
Does My Asthma Limit Me From Certain Sports?
Not usually! If you have had asthma for a while and fully understand how yours is managed and what your limits are, there is no reason why you can’t try new things or exercise how you want. However, just because you can, doesn’t mean there aren’t certain risks for certain sports.
Endurance activities like running or soccer can be hard on your lungs, and cold-weather sports can prove more difficult to breathe through because of the thinner, colder air. All it takes is a little extra planning and giving yourself grace, and there is no reason why you can’t do the things you enjoy.
Tips for Managing Your Asthma Diagnosis
- Utilize a scarf or ski mask to breathe through during the winter months.
- Understand your limits.
- Warm up thoroughly.
- Cool down after each activity.
Your asthma shouldn’t define you! If you have questions about your diagnosis, come see us AFC Urgent Care Farragut.
