Being Active with Asthma

Asthma should not stop you from being active. In fact, exercise is of particular benefit to people with asthma as it improves lung capacity, boosts immunity and increases overall physical fitness.

As long as you’re taking your medication as prescribed and your symptoms are under control, you can participate in any type of exercise.

It is recommended that men are active for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Follow our top tips for being active with asthma:

Maintain good asthma control by taking asthma medication as prescribed. Develop an asthma management plan with your GP or asthma nurse.

Attend your GP for an asthma review at least once a year and have your inhaler technique checked by a pharmacist.

Always warm up gently for approximately 15 minutes before more vigorous exercising and cool down afterwards.

Always carry a reliever inhaler (usually blue) with you. If you have asthma symptoms when you exercise, stop and take your reliever inhaler.

If you know that your asthma is triggered by exercise, take your reliever inhaler approximately 15 minutes before warming up (at least 2 puffs of a Metered Dose Inhaler or one puff from a Discus or Turbohaler).

Make sure that your coach or trainer and the people you exercise with know you have asthma. If you are exercising alone, make sure someone knows where you are and what time you are due to return.

If your asthma is triggered by pollen, avoid exercising outside when the pollen count is high.

Wear a scarf or facemask in cold weather to help warm and humidify air. If it is very cold and you know cold air triggers your asthma, it might be better to exercise indoors.

Know the 5 Step Rule for dealing with an asthma attack.

More Information

For more information on being active with asthma, visit www.asthma.ie or call the FREE Asthma Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64, to arrange a call back appointment with an asthma nurse.