For many people with asthma, exercising may feel risky. The fear of wheezing, tightness in the chest, or an unexpected flare-up can be enough to skip the workout altogether. However, skipping movement may be doing more harm than good.
With proper guidance and care, regular physical activity can actually help people breathe better and feel stronger every day, says Dr Vikas Mittal, Director, Pulmonologist at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. “Avoiding exercise due to asthma is outdated. With the right precautions and a structured plan, it can become a powerful part of asthma management. Regular exercise, especially aerobic activities like walking or swimming, improves how your lungs function. It strengthens the muscles used to breathe and increases your lungs’ capacity. Over time, this can help reduce the feeling of breathlessness, even in everyday activities,” says Dr Mittal.
Exercise also helps reduce inflammation in the airways, which is one of the key causes of asthma symptoms. According to Dr. Mittal, the benefits of physical activity go beyond the lungs. “Exercise boosts the immune system, which helps lower the risk of infections that can trigger asthma attacks. It also helps manage stress, anxiety, and depression, factors that are increasingly linked to asthma flare-ups,” he explains.
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Another important benefit, suggests Dr Mittal, is weight management. “Obesity is known to worsen asthma and increase the need for medication. Regular exercise helps patients stay at a healthy weight, which can lead to better asthma control and fewer symptoms,” he says.
Here are 5 ways daily exercises can support better asthma management, according to Dr Mittal:
- Builds stronger lungs: Exercise strengthens the respiratory system, helping you breathe more efficiently and improving stamina over time.
- Reduces inflammation: Moderate activity can help lower the chronic inflammation in the airways that causes asthma symptoms.
- Boosts immunity: Staying active strengthens your immune system, reducing the chance of colds and other illnesses that often trigger flare-ups.
- Supports mental health: Physical activity releases mood-boosting hormones and helps manage anxiety, which can sometimes worsen asthma symptoms.
- Helps maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on the lungs and worsen asthma. Exercise helps reduce this risk.
Most people with asthma can safely exercise with a few precautions. Dr Mittal advises warming up before activity, using a reliever inhaler if recommended, and starting slow. “Activities like swimming, brisk walking, cycling, and yoga are great options. If exercise triggers symptoms, it may be a sign of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), which can usually be managed with proper treatment,” he says.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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