Swimming with Asthma

Many people suffer from asthma, a health condition that can make breathing difficult and that can potentially be dangerous, even deadly. Unfortunately for asthma sufferers, exercise is one of the things that can trigger asthma symptoms.   

Does this mean, then, that if you have asthma, you’re “off the hook” when it comes to exercise? Not quite. All people, including those with asthma, need to get sufficient exercise. The key is just to find types of exercise that work for you and that don’t exacerbate your condition. And, if you like the water, you’ll be happy to know that swimming is a wonderful form of exercise for asthmatics.

Healthy Air

One reason that swimming is so great for asthma sufferers is because of the type of air you breathe in when you swim.

The air you’ll find in and near the water is warm, moist air. This type of air will not aggravate and irritate the lungs like cold, dry air does. Plus, humid air keeps your airway moist and, thus, less likely to experience exercise-related asthma symptoms.

Health Improvements

When you swim regularly, you’ll start to notice improvements in your overall health. In particular, you should notice improved heart health and improved lung functioning.

As your health increases, you may find, as many people do, that your asthma symptoms are reduced as well.

While swimming and exercise in general may not be a cure for asthma, they can certainly be a great help.

Swimming Tips

If you have asthma and would like to give swimming a try, then go for it!

Ideally, you will want to find an indoor pool that is well-ventilated to reduce your risk of exposure to potential irritants that can cause asthma flare-ups.

You should also keep an emergency inhaler nearby at all times for those “just in case” moments.

If you can follow these simple tips and see your doctor regularly to manage your asthma, you may just find that swimming is the exercise you’ve been looking for!