Thursday, October 3, 2013

How Exercise Eases Your Asthma

How Exercise Eases Your Asthma

Asthma inhaler

Break a sweat to breathe easy: People with asthma may see an improvement in their symptoms when they exercise, says a new Australian study.

A boost in your cardiovascular fitness and maximum heart rate can improve lung function, the researchers say. Exercise may also reduce the airway inflammation related to asthma attacks.

That’s good news for the 25 million Americans with the condition: Research suggests they’re less likely to exercise out of fear of setting off an attack. In actuality, airborne allergens, allergic reactions, and respiratory infections are all far more common triggers of the condition.

So go ahead and stick to your sweat sessions—just remember to pack your rescue inhaler for the gym. Inhalers help relax and open airways, especially during strenuous exercise, says William J. Calhoun, M.D., an asthma expert at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

And even if you don’t have asthma, hitting the gym could help you fend it off anyway: Working out can cut your odds of developing the condition by 13 percent, according to recent research from the Netherlands.

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