Although exercise may trigger asthma symptoms, exercising with allergic asthma can be done safely.

Regular exercise has been shown to improve overall asthma symptoms.

Having allergic asthma means you have asthma that’s sensitive to allergens (normally harmless substances such as pollen.

A person with asthma tries to catch their breath when running in the park

Zorica Nastasic / Getty Images

Inexercise-induced asthma, the triggering irritant is the exercise itself.

Zorica Nastasic / Getty Images

1.

Exercise in Short Intervals

For some people, longer, endurance-based activities can lead to increasedasthma symptoms.

Jurairat J. Molina, MD

Exercising for short periods can help improve overallfitness levels and cardiovascular healthwithout increasing the risk of asthma symptoms.

Warm Up Beforehand

Warming up for five to 10 minutes before exercising can help with asthma symptoms.

Slowly easing into an exercise routine can also reduce exercise-induced asthma.

The warm-up aims to increase breathing and heart rates without inducing asthma symptoms.

Preventive Treatment Before Exercise

Your healthcare provider may prescribe an inhaler to help control your asthma.

Theseinhaled medicationscan be used before exercise to help prevent symptoms.

Bring Your Inhaler With You

Asthma symptoms are not always predictable.

Check Pollen Counts and Air Quality Before Exercising Outdoors

Pollen countandair qualitycan influence asthma symptoms.

Checking the pollen count and air quality before exercising outdoors can help you plan accordingly.

An Air Quality Index (AQI) reading above 101 is unhealthy for people with asthma.

It is best to avoid strenuous activities outdoors during this time.

The AQI in your area can be found atAirNow.

Your local weather forecast may also report on this information as well.

Enjoy Strength Training

People with asthma can safely perform resistance activities.

Lifting weights is less likely to cause symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.

Benefits include stronger muscles and improved fitness levels.

Avoid Cold, Dry Air

For some people, exercising in cold, dry air can trigger symptoms.

There are many good reasons to work out with asthma.

Exercise is good for allergic asthma and can help reduce overall symptoms.

Working out in short intervals and warming up properly can help prevent an asthma attack or worsening of symptoms.

If your symptoms worsen or are not controlled by your medications, contact your healthcare provider.

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