Got Asthma? Get Out and Exercise!

Many people with asthma avoid exercise, especially because it's a common trigger for most asthmatics. But, this may be the wrong approach. Most physicians have encouraged their patients with asthma to cautiously exercise for years -- now there's a study in children to support such a recommendations.

This study compared the effects of exercise in children with moderate to severe asthma, aged 7 to 15 years old. It showed that when the children exercised for 90-minute periods twice a week, they had an increase in lung function and a decrease in their requirement for inhaled steroids when compared to children who didn't exercise.

I routinely recommend to my asthmatic patients to routinely exercise, as they feel they can. A brisk walk for 20 minutes, 3 times per week, for example, can help maintain or improve lung function and result in weight loss, which can further help a person's asthma. Of course, an asthmatic should use caution with exercise, and not push themselves to the point of severe asthma symptoms. It is always recommended that a person check with their personal physician prior to starting any exercise program.

Want to learn more? Get your asthma in shape for the cold and flu season!