Exercise Improves Asthma Control

Among patients with asthma, those who are physically active use less health care.  A recent study in Europe showed that a 12-week supervised aerobic and strength training exercise program led to improved asthma control, quality of life, and aerobic fitness in 21 adults with partially controlled asthma.  The benefits were maintained with another 12 weeks of self-administered exercise.

The improvements were not supported by measurements of airflow obstruction, however there was clearly a benefit suggesting that this "natural" adjunct to asthma treatment may be helpful -- and there is no copay or authorization needed for this prescription!

Dogra S, Kuk JL, Baker J, Jamnik V:  Exercise is associated with improved asthma control in adults.  Eur Respir J. 2011; 37: 318-323.

Avoid "Triggers" at The Gym

Here are some factors to consider when deciding to work out at the gym. The decision to exercise is good news for your health, but there are a few precautions you may want to take if you have allergies or asthma. Our doctors as well as The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggest the following tips to keep your visits to the health club sniffle, sneeze, and wheeze free:

Bring your own mat. Yoga isn't relaxing if you break out in hives due to contact with a latex mat, the most common material used. If you have had any signs of latex allergy -- perhaps itching or rashes around the mouth after dental work, rashes on your hands after wearing latex gloves while cleaning your home, or reactions to elastic in your clothing or latex in Band-Aids -- be sure to bring your own latex-free mat so that you can enjoy doing floor exercises or yoga.

Not everyone in the pool. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, and is even recommended to our patients with asthma in order to improve lung volume and strengthen respiratory muscles. However, a heavily chlorinated pool can release irritant fumes that may trigger asthma. In addition, the irritant effect of chlorine can lead to itchy red eyes, or dry itchy skin. Remember to shower or bathe with a mild moisturizing soap after leaving the pool, in order to remove chlorine from the surface of the skin.

Check the label before you energize. Most patients who are allergic to foods are used to reading labels, but watch out for those energy bars and protein shakes. If you have a nut, wheat, egg, soy, or milk allergy, be sure you carefully read the ingredients first.

Protect yourself from the disinfectant. It is a good idea to use your asthma or allergy medication before you work out. Not only will exertion itself commonly lead to bronchial spasm and asthma symptoms during exercise, but many disinfectant sprays used on gym equipment have a strong odor and may contain problematic chemicals or VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Warm up and cool down. Exercise induced bronchoconstriction can cause chest tightness and trouble breathing in people who have asthma, and sometimes can be the only sign of asthma. If you run into breathing problems when you exercise, this may be a sign of exercise induced asthma. See your doctor for an evaluation. You may be able to control these symptoms by easing in and out of workouts with a gradual warmup period; a preventative inhaler may also be helpful prior to exercise. Breathing through your nose rather than your mouth helps to moisturize the air entering your bronchial tubes, which helps alleviate exercise-induced asthma as well.