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Exercise is Good for Your Health

Asthma should not keep you from being active. However, many people with asthma will have some symptoms, especially coughing and wheezing when they are physically active. Your regular asthma medication can help prevent these symptoms. Some people with asthma prevent symptoms from starting by taking inhaled asthma medicines before they exercise. You and your doctor can plan a workout schedule that's right for you.

• It is important to follow the asthma action plan prescribed by your provider. Make sure you check with your provider before staring a new exercise or sports program.
• Check your peak flow before and after you exercise. Your peak flow meter measures how well you are breathing. If you experience asthma symptoms and/or a big drop in your peak flow, you may need extra medicine or to take a short rest. Ask your doctor what you should do if your asthma symptoms get worse while you are exercising.
• Warm up before you work out. A good 5 to 10 minute warm-up slowly increases your breathing levels. This helps you avoid an episode. Ask your doctor about the best way to warm up.
• Take a break during exercise if you feel asthma symptoms starting. Don't exercise at all if you're not breathing well.
• Always keep your quick-relief medicines handy while exercising.
• If your doctor tells you to, take your asthma medicine before exercising.
• Do only light exercise if you have a cold or the flu.
• Talk to your doctor about exercising in cold weather.