CLINICAL ASTHMA
ASTHMA AND EXERCISE
Exercise is a common trigger for asthma symptoms, but asthma shouldn’ t be a reason to avoid exercise.
Asthma is a common respiratory condition with attacks characterised by constriction of the bronchi and difficulty breathing. Reactions differ among individual cases, as do triggers, which include various allergens, psychological stress and exercise.
Exercise can be a trigger for asthma sufferers, but one of the goals of effective treatment of asthma is for sufferers to maintain a regular, healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise.
|
exercise, but certain activities are more likely to trigger asthma symptoms. These include sports performed in cold weather and endurance sports such as basketball or long-distance running. |
|
Patients should take these steps to ensure they exercise safely: 1. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Inhaling through |
the mouth while exercising is tough on the lungs. Breathing in through the nose means the air is moistened, warmed and filtered.
2. Your doctor will be able to make adjustments to your medication to facilitate increased physical activity. Bronchodilators are usually recommended for use 15 minutes before exercise.
|
3. Exercise indoors if pollution or pollen counts are high.
4. Include warm-ups before and cooldowns after workouts.
5. Never exercise when you’ re not feeling well. 6. Always carry an inhaler.
Reference Mediclinic Infohub
|
BENEFITS OF EXERCISE FOR ASTHMA
Avoiding triggers is a key component in managing and controlling asthma. But avoiding exercise can lead to sufferers becoming unfit and more vulnerable to attacks. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published a review of 19 studies on exercising with asthma in 2012, which found that exercise for asthma sufferers is safe. The review also found that exercise improves heart and lung fitness and enhances quality of life. Other benefits of exercising with asthma include:
• Reduced symptoms
• Improved breathing
• Decreased stress and anxiety.
Most people with asthma should be able to exercise, provided their asthma is well controlled. They should be properly diagnosed and have a customised treatment plan to monitor and manage symptoms.
The most effective treatment of asthma is identifying and avoiding triggers. If exercise causes asthma symptoms, however, it is possible that a small change in the treatment plan is all that is needed for relief of symptoms during physical activity.
SAFETY FIRST Asthma causes the lungs to be hypersensitive to temperature, humidity, allergens and pollution.
Assess what level of activity would be appropriate, as well as which physical activity to choose. Swimming is a popular option for asthmatics, but there are a number of other activities to choose from.
Recommended physical activities for people with asthma:
• Swimming
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Walking
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Golf.
THAT CONFIDENT
FEELING
The Symbicord ® Turbuhaler ® offering confidence through experience 1
Years
Been studied in
57 global trials 1
More than
47 million patients treatment years around the world 1
S4 Symbicord ® Turbuhaler ® 80:4,5 μg / dose( Inhaler). Reg. No: 35 / 21.5.1 / 0404. S4 Symbicord ® Turbuhaler ® 160:4,5 μg / dose( Inhaler). Reg. No: 35 / 21.5.1 / 0405. Each delivered dose contains Budesonide 80 / 160 micrograms and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 4,5 micrograms. PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION: A 21.5.1 Corticosteroids and analogues. INDICATIONS: Asthma: SYMBICORD ® TURBUHALER ® 80:4,5 and 160:4,5 μg / dose is indicated in the treatment of asthma in adolescents and adults where use of a combination( inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-2-agonist) is appropriate. COPD: SYMBICORD ® TURBUHALER ® 160:4,5 is indicated in the regular treatment of patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease( COPD), with frequent symptoms and a history of exacerbations. Symbicord ® and Turbuhaler ® are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies. For full prescribing information refer to the package insert approved by the medicines regulatory authority.
S4 Symbicord ® Turbuhaler ® 320:9 μg / dose( Inhaler). Reg. No: 38 / 21.5.1 / 0187. Each delivered dose contains Budesonide 320 micrograms and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 9 micrograms. PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION: A 21.5.1 Corticosteroids and analogues. INDICATIONS: Asthma: SYMBICORD ® TURBUHALER ® 320:9 μg / dose is indicated in the treatment of asthma in adolescents and adults needing inhaled corticosteroids where continued use of a high dose combination( inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-2-agonist) is appropriate. COPD: SYMBICORD ® TURBUHALER ® 320:9 μg / dose is indicated in the regular treatment of patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease( COPD), with frequent symptoms and a history of exacerbations. Symbicord ® Turbuhaler ® are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies. For full prescribing information refer to the package insert approved by the medicines regulatory authority.
Refrences: 1. AstraZeneca data on file. December 2016.
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals( Pty) Ltd. Reg. No. 1992 / 005854 / 07. Building 2, Northdowns Office Park, 17 Georgian Crescent West, Bryanston, 2191, South Africa. Private Bag X23, Bryanston, 2021. Tel: 011 797-6000. Fax: 011 797-6001. www. astrazeneca. co. za. Expiry date: April 2019. Activity ID: 830069
With proper guidance, it should be possible to undertake any form of
MEDICAL CHRONICLE | MAY 2017 39