Sports & Exercise with Asthma
When exercising with asthma remember the following essential information:
- Be in control* - take your asthma medications, especially preventer medications correctly and regularly
- Have regular reviews with your doctor/nurse and have a personal written Asthma Action Plan
- Make sure your coach/instructor/teacher knows that you have asthma
- Always have your reliever (blue) inhaler easily accessible with your when exercising
- If exercise triggers your asthma take your reliever inhaler immediately before you warm up
- Always warm up (15-20 mins) before exercise and warm down after exercise
- Identify your asthma "triggers" and try to avoid them
- Increase your fitness levels gradually
- If you have asthma symptoms when you exercise STOP, take your reliever inhaler and wait 5 minutes until breathing easily and symptom free before starting again
- Carry your reliever inhaler and an Asthma Attack Card with you AT ALL TIMES
*If your day-to-day asthma is well controlled you should not need to use your reliever inhaler more than twice a week
Common Asthma Triggers in Exercise
- Cold air
- Long distance running
- Fitness test
- Chlorine in swimming pools
- Pollen (including grass cuttings)
Asthma Symptoms
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Wheezing
Asthma Medication in Competitive Sports - Click here for full Information
If you would like an Asthma Society of Ireland "Sports & Exercise" pack, inclulding our "Reach Your Peak with Asthma" DVD contact the Asthma Society on 01 8178886 or email us at office@asthmasociety.ie
