Having asthma doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy sports. If fit people generally feel better than their unfit peers, it’s likely that fit asthmatics will feel better than those who are unfit. In fact, many active asthmatics report that they feel more in control of their asthma when they’re fit.
Get sporty
Take up sports that are mildly aerobic. Swimming is the most asthma-friendly sport of all. Other safe activities include walking, cycling, and canoeing.
Team sports that use quick bursts of energy are also safe for asthmatics. Try sprinting, baseball, rugby, wresting, golf, and gymnastics.
Avoid cold weather sports or activities that need continuous movement like soccer, basketball, hockey, and long-distance running.
Play it safe
Which sport is best for you? Ask yourself:
- Are you able to control your breathing rate and depth?
- Can you breathe through your nose?
- Does it cause coughing, air trapping, or airway drying?
- Are you able to rest and drink fluids when you need?
- Does it include a mixture of short high-energy bursts with low energy endurance activities?
- Does it involve other people who can watch out for your safety?