Exercise tips for people with asthma

October 28, 2025News, Photo

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in your lungs. It makes the airways inflamed and swollen, causing symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Exercise will help you strengthen your breathing, as well as improve heart and muscle health.

  1. Use an inhaler before exercise: Your doctor can prescribe a rescue inhaler as a pre-exercise treatment. These inhaled medications will relax the airways, making it easier to breathe during physical activity.
  2. Take medication for long-term control: If a pre-exercise inhaler doesn’t manage your symptoms, you may be given another medication. This could include oral drugs or additional inhalers that decrease airway inflammation.
  3. Warm up: Always warm up before exercise to let your body adjust. When you’re done, gradually stop the activity.
  4. Wear a mask: Cover your nose and mouth when it’s cold outside. The dryness of cool air can tighten your airways.
  5. Avoid sports with continuous activity: Basketball, soccer, and long-distance running can be hard on the lungs if your asthma is poorly controlled. Avoid sports that are done in the cold, like cross-country skiing and hockey.

Exercise will help you strengthen your breathing, as well as improve heart and muscle health.
Benefits of exercising with asthma:

  • Increasing your lung capacity
  • Promoting blood flow to your lungs and heart
  • Improving endurance and stamina
  • decreasing airway inflammation
  • improving overall lung health

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/exercise-for-asthma#benefits