Exercise and asthma
For most patients, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is an expression of poorly controlled asthma and regular treatment including inhaled corticosteroids should be reviewed. In patients diagnosed with EIB and asthma, the use of an inhaled SABA, typically 15 minutes before exercise, is strongly recommended. However, daily use of SABAs has been shown to lead to tolerance, so they should be used to prevent EIB on an intermittent basis only.
Practical exercise tips for patients from Asthma UK
- Warm up and warm down for 10-15 minutes before and after exercising
- If exercising with someone else, make sure they know you have asthma and that you have a reliever inhaler with you
- If you have symptoms when you exercise, stop, take your reliever inhaler and wait until you feel better before starting again
- In colder weather, symptoms are even more likely during exercise because when the air is cold it can irritate the sensitive airways. One way to avoid this problem is to exercise indoors during the winter months or consider doing less vigorous exercise – go for a power walk instead of a run, for example
- Dress appropriately. If it is cold, make sure your chest and throat are covered and keep a scarf around your nose
- If you regularly have asthma symptoms when you exercise, speak to your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist, who can assess your treatment.