Wednesday 29 February 2012

Asthma and Exercise

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), asthma is: “a syndrome characterized by reversible obstruction to airflow and increased bronchial responsiveness to a variety of stimuli, both allergic and environmental”. In other words, asthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchi (airways) in the lungs.

Asthma varies from person to person and ranges in severity from mild to severe. It is induced by different stimuli, such as allergens or exercise. The stimulus that brings on an asthma attack in a particular individual must be known and considered when establishing an exercise regimen for that individual.

Exercise capacity can either be limited as a result of having asthma, or exercise can in fact induce an attack, thereby exacerbating the condition. This may cause individuals to avoid exercise wherever possible.

The symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include the following (ACSM):
·        Wheezing
·        Coughing
·        Shortness of breath
·       Chest discomfort
    The symptoms may last up to 30 minutes after an exercise bout. If the exercise bout is prolonged, then symptoms may occur during the session. If the condition is mild, then individuals can usually exercise at an intensity of 75% of maximum heart rate before symptoms are induced. In more severe cases, mild exertion may induce symptoms. Although exercise may induce symptoms, it is important to include exercise in the management of this condition.

    Individuals with well-controlled exercise-induced asthma are able to exercise with little or no symptoms. The training effects will be the same as in individuals who do not have asthma. Thus, these individuals should follow the same exercise guidelines as those for individuals who do not have asthma and thus should include cardiovascular, strength and flexibility exercises into their routines. In more severe cases, where exercise intensity is limited by symptoms, individuals can concentrate on improving endurance, rather than high-intensity fitness and should also include resistance and flexibility exercises.

    It is important to realise that one can and should continue to lead a very healthy and active lifestyle, even if they have been diagnosed with asthma. You must consult your doctor with regards to exercise and to take the medication that has been prescribed by your doctor in order to keep the condition under control and to reduce symptoms during exercise. If you have asthma and don’t know how to start an exercise programme, starting off with a biokineticist can point you in the right direction.

    5 comments:


    1. My husband was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 57.his symptoms were shuffling of feet,slurred speech, low volume speech, degradation of hand writing, horrible driving skills, right arm held at 45 degree angle, things were tough for me, but now he finally free from the disease with the help of total cure ultimate health home, he now walks properly and all symptoms has reversed, he had trouble with balance especially at night, getting into the shower and exiting it is difficult,getting into bed is also another thing he finds impossible.we had to find a better solution for his condition which has really helped him a lot,the biggest helped we had was ultimatehealthhome they walked us through the proper steps,am highly recommended this ultimatehealthhome@gmail.com to anyone who needs help.

      ReplyDelete
    2. My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.his symptoms were shuffling of feet,slurred speech,degradation of hand writing, horrible driving skills, right arm held at 46 degree angle, things were tough for me, but now he finally free from the disease with the help of total cure from ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC, he now walks properly and all symptoms has reversed, he was having trouble with balance especially at night, getting into the shower and exiting it is difficult,getting into bed is also another thing he finds impossible.we had to find a better solution for his condition which really helped him a lot,the biggest helped we had was ultimate life clinic they walked him through the proper steps,i recommended this http://www.ultimatelifeclinic.com to anyone who also needs help.

      ReplyDelete