Exercise and asthma: can you take part in PE?
With good control, most people can exercise normally. The key is prevention and being prepared.
Can you exercise?
When asthma is well controlled, most people can take part in PE and everyday exercise as normal. Regular activity also helps to improve fitness. The key is to first put your control plan fully in place, and to take precautions before and after exercise.
What to do during exercise
- Prepare before exercise as your doctor advises, and if needed, use your medicine in advance as set out in your plan
- Warm up properly and avoid sudden high-intensity exercise
- In cold weather or when the air is polluted, choose to exercise indoors, keep warm, or adjust the intensity
- Carry your reliever medicine with you, and let your teacher or classmates know
When to stop
If you cough, feel chest tightness, wheeze or become short of breath during exercise, stop at once, rest, and use your medicine as set out in your plan. If the symptoms do not ease, or if you find it hard to speak or your lips turn blue, call 120 (the emergency number in China) at once. If symptoms keep coming back, tell your doctor and have your control plan reviewed, rather than avoiding all exercise long term.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.