Originally published August 15 2005
New study reveals that exercise is vital for asthma sufferers
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Researchers at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recently showed that exercise can improve the health of asthma sufferers.
Despite the uneasiness many people with asthma might feel about putting their lungs through the paces, they can and should exercise regularly, most experts agree.
Although physical activity won't "cure or necessarily improve" asthma, reports the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, it can help patients feel better physically and psychologically.
Most of the nearly 22 million U.S. adults with asthma experience symptoms -- including chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath -- from strenuous exercise, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Taking preventive measures, such as pre-exercise medications and warm-up and cool-down exercises, can avert asthma attacks, advise both groups.
Stop-and-go activities -- such as wrestling, golfing, gymnastics and softball -- usually cause fewer symptoms than sports that involve continuous exercise, such as soccer, field hockey, basketball and long-distance running.
Many people with asthma take an inhaled drug, such as albuterol, pirbuterol or terbutaline, about 15 minutes before exercise.
People with asthma tend to breathe rapidly through their mouths during exercise, bringing cool, dry air -- which can trigger asthma attacks -- directly into the bronchial tubes.
The nose has a natural humidifying and filtering process that moderates temperature and humidity while filtering out pollutants, allergens and irritants.
Car exhaust can be a problem, too.
If you are exercising on carpet, use a mat.
� Limit exercise when symptoms are severe.
Symptoms that start after less than six to eight minutes of hard exercise or during or after very mild exercise may indicate uncontrolled asthma.
If reactions occur, medication to open bronchial tubes may be needed.
If you can't control your symptoms this way, consider talking with your doctor about a daily maintenance medication.
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