3 Things All Runners Should Know About Asthma
It is possible to still exercise with asthma—in fact, 10 percent of Olympic athletes suffer from it!
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One of out 10 people experience bronchospasm (tightening of the airways) while running. Dr. Purvi Parikh, an internist with the Allergy & Asthma Network, shares what to do if you fall in this 10 percent.
Know the warning signs.
“Exercise-induced asthma is when exercise triggers your airways to become inflamed and constrict, causing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.”
Still exercise, really.
“You can run, but it is important you are on the correct prevention and controller medications, or you can cause stress on your body and other organs (such as your heart). In fact, 10 percent of Olympic athletes suffer from asthma, but they are able to perform because they are on an appropriate treatment regimen.”
Manage your symptoms.
“Speak with your doctor. She will prescribe you medication to take before working out, and in some cases on a daily basis. Not only will this be better for your body, but your exercise endurance and capacity will be much improved as well!”
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