{"id":1912,"date":"2022-12-22T16:36:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-22T13:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.runzy-run.com\/blog\/?p=1912"},"modified":"2022-12-23T13:27:16","modified_gmt":"2022-12-23T10:27:16","slug":"running-with-asthma-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runzy.com\/blog\/running-with-asthma-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Running with Asthma: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Asthma affects about 25 million (or 1 in 13)<\/a> Americans. Moreover, signs and symptoms of this disease are observed in 15% to 25% of athletes<\/a> who continue their sports careers. So you are definitely not alone in your diagnosis or desire to be active with asthma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you will get information that is important for asthmatics to know before putting on running shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Run With Asthma?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The American Lung Association<\/a> says that running with asthma is possible, but only if you’re running asthma properly (pun intended).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only your doctor can tell you how to do it wisely. Despite all the benefits of running, physical activity can still trigger asthma. In particular, there is exercise-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchospasm, when all the unpleasant symptoms appear only during exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your healthcare provider will help you determine your type of asthma, whether it is well-controlled and what triggers it for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may suggest you join a pulmonary rehabilitation program before exercising. They can also develop recommendations for your running plan for asthmatics and create an individual asthma action plan to ensure the safety of your workouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you are wondering how to become a runner with asthma, start with a medical examination and consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does Running Help Asthma?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the benefits of running could go on for hours, we will only focus on the ones that matter to you as an asthmatic. Perhaps this will inspire you to make an appointment with the doctor and start training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. A scientific review<\/a> including 11 studies on asthma and running found that treadmill running and jogging can improve asthma control, which in turn reduces the severity and frequency of attacks.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    1. Another study<\/a> showed that physical activity, including running, can improve lung function and slow its decline with age. This is important because asthma is closely associated with poor lung function.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      1. Aerobic exercises improve your<\/a> cardiopulmonary fitness, which is measured by maximum oxygen uptake. Simply put, your lungs are strengthened, and their capacity is increased. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        This way, you get more oxygen in one breath, and your breathing becomes much easier, which is especially important when running with asthma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Aerobic exercise significantly reduces<\/a> inflammation of the airways, which provokes general and runners asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          In this study, participants with moderate to severe asthma completed a 3-month aerobic exercise program. Their bronchial hyperactivity improved along with the asthma-related key quality of life indicators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Tips for Running with Asthma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          While only your doctor can provide the best runner anti-asthma tips, here are a few general guidelines that will improve and protect your running experience and support your prescribed asthma action plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Warm-Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Research has shown<\/a> that intensive pre-exercise warm-ups are an effective method of reducing exercise-induced bronchospasm. It helps your lungs enter the so-called \u201crefractory period,\u201d when the airways are immune to attack. This means that unpleasant symptoms are less likely to interfere with your workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Have an Inhaler on Hand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          No matter how often you use your inhaler, be sure to take it with you to every workout. It doesn’t take up much space, but it can come in handy if asthma symptoms appear while running. Use it 15 minutes before<\/a> your workout or as directed by your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Choose Indoor Workouts If Possible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology<\/a> says that some environmental factors are strong triggers for asthma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          For example, running with asthma in cold weather allows cold air to enter the lower respiratory tract and lungs, which causes symptoms. This is because, during physical exertion, we often breathe through our mouths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Other triggers can be pollution and allergens that block the airways and thus prevent enough air from getting in. As a result, you get symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or wheezing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          That is why the American Lung Association<\/a> strongly recommends against running outdoors when the air quality is unhealthy (orange, red, purple, or maroon)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          So running on a treadmill at home or the gym is a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Consider Precautions When Running Outside<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Checking the weather and pollution levels is something you should always keep in mind when wondering how to start running with asthma. However, not everyone has the opportunity to run inside and the desire to take a break from the training plan due to external factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In this case, take the following measures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n