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Asthma and seasonal allergy sufferers are all too familiar with unsuccessful workout attempts. Being unable to catch your breath, sneezing, wheezing, and coughing just scratch the surface of potential symptoms that make exercising a challenge. It can be tempting to give up on your fitness goals when you’re suffering with one of these diseases, but you’re sure to regret later on. Staying active as an asthma or allergy sufferer is possible and we’re here to help show you how!
Stick to a Treatment Plan
Living with asthma or allergies requires constant monitoring and adjustments. A proper treatment plan will allow you to live without your condition interfering with your day-to-day activities. Of course, that includes moderate exercise. If you’re unable to exercise, talk with your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan. Once you’ve found a treatment plan that works for you, stick with it. Failing to be consistent with your treatment will result in your symptoms returning.
Avoid Triggers
Most allergy and asthma sufferers know what triggers their symptoms. Hot temperatures, humidity, and outdoor allergens are just a few possibilities. If you know what your triggers are, you can begin to avoid them. Allergy and asthma sufferers often see greater success and less symptoms if they choose to workout indoors. As you exercise more, your lungs will actually start to become healthier, lowering the likelihood of an asthma attack.
Find the Right Exercise
Certain types of exercise are more likely to trigger your symptoms. Exercise that requires endurance, such as soccer or distance running, will greatly increase the possibility of an asthma attack. Cold weather exercises are highly likely to trigger your asthma as well.
Try to think of exercises that involve only short bursts of energy, followed immediately after by a rest period. Volleyball and baseball are good examples of a low-endurance group sport. If you’d prefer to exercise alone, stick to an exercise that doesn’t require too much endurance. Biking, walking, and other forms of casual cardio are ideal. Many allergy and asthma sufferers credit swimming as a great choice thanks to the warm, moist air.
No matter how severe your allergies or asthma may be, there’s always a way to work around it. Remember, improving your symptoms begins with giving your doctor a call to discuss the symptoms! Once you think you’re ready to hit the gym or the walking trail, don’t forget to bring your emergency medication along too just in case.
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