Can Asthma Go Away with Exercise?

Living with asthma can make even the simplest things—like climbing stairs, going for a walk, or playing with your kids—feel like a struggle. When it comes to managing asthma, people try a lot of options, including exercise. But can asthma go away with exercise?

While exercise won’t make asthma disappear completely, research shows it can be one of the best ways to manage symptoms and improve lung health.

Let’s explore how exercising with asthma can help, what science says about it, and how you can make it work for you.

What is asthma and how does it affect you?

Asthma is a respiratory problem that makes breathing difficult due to inflammation (swelling) and narrowing of your airways. People with asthma experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

For some people, exercise is a common trigger for these symptoms. However, recent studies show that regular physical activity can actually help people with asthma manage their condition better.

Can asthma go away with exercise?

While exercise can help manage asthma, it doesn’t cure it. However, studies show that people who exercise regularly have fewer flare-ups and better asthma control. This means better breathing and fewer visits to the doctor in the long run.

How exercise can help with asthma?

Exercise can help you manage asthma in several ways. While it won’t “cure” the condition, regular physical activity is shown to help control symptoms and improve overall lung health. Here’s how:

1. Improved lung function

Exercise can work wonders for your lungs. When you exercise regularly, your lungs get stronger, and you become better at using oxygen. A systematic review found that physical activity may help improve asthma control, lung function, and overall quality of life without any negative impact on asthma outcomes.

Similarly, a meta-analysis found that physical exercise improves lung function, specifically FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second), which measures how well the lungs are working. For asthma patients, this translates to better breathing during daily tasks.

2. Reduced airway inflammation

Asthma often causes inflammation in the airways, making it harder to breathe. Regular exercise helps reduce this inflammation. Research reports that exercise has helped asthma patients reduce airway irritation and improve lung function.

Plus, exercise helps your lungs become more adaptable, so they’re less likely to react with inflammation when exposed to triggers. This makes asthma attacks less frequent and less severe.

3. Increased endurance

Exercise is a great way to build your stamina. As you get fitter, tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even running errands become easier.

Research shows that bicycle training and Nordic walking can help improve endurance in asthma patients, with cycling being particularly effective. So, the more you exercise, the less breathless you’ll feel when you go about your day, making it much easier to do the things you love.

4. Improved quality of life

Exercise does more than just improve your breathing. It can also make you feel better in general.

Research states that people with asthma who avoided exercise due to perceived challenges had worse symptoms, higher anxiety, and a lower quality of life. On the other hand, those who made exercise a regular part of their routine saw improvements in fitness, fewer asthma symptoms, and a more positive, active lifestyle.

The best types of exercise for asthma

If you have asthma, not all exercises are the right fit. Some are gentler on your lungs and can even help improve asthma control. Here are a few types of exercise that are especially beneficial:

1. Aerobic exercise

Low-impact aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming are excellent for people with asthma. These activities improve cardiovascular health and lung function without overloading the airways.

Swimming, in particular, is recommended because it’s done in warm, moist air, which is less likely to trigger asthma symptoms.

2. Strength training

Lifting weights or doing resistance exercises may not seem like it directly helps your asthma, but it can actually improve your overall fitness. As you build muscle strength, you’ll be able to handle physical activities with less effort and breathlessness.

3. Yoga

Yoga is fantastic for asthma because it focuses on controlled breathing and relaxation. These breathing exercises help improve lung capacity and can reduce asthma symptoms over time.

Exercise guidelines for asthma: The FITT model

The FITT model (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type) is a great way to structure your exercise routine if you have asthma. Here's a quick breakdown of how it can help guide your workouts:

Frequency:

• Aerobic exercises: 3-5 days a week

• Resistance exercises: 2-3 days a week

• Flexibility exercises: At least 2-3 days a week (more effective if done daily)

Intensity:

• Aerobic exercises: Start with moderate intensity (40-59% of your maximum fitness level), and gradually increase after a month to 60-70%.

• Resistance exercises: Start with 60-70% of your one-rep max (1RM), and increase to 80% once you’re more experienced.

• Flexibility exercises: Stretch until you feel mild discomfort or tightness.

Duration:

• Aerobic exercises: Aim for 40 minutes a day, gradually increasing over time.

• Resistance exercises: 2-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions.

• Flexibility exercises: Hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds, with 2-4 repetitions per exercise.

Type:

• Aerobic: Walking, cycling, swimming, or running.

• Resistance: Weightlifting, free weights, or bodyweight exercises.

• Flexibility: Static or dynamic stretches.

Tips to Minimize Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA)

Exercising with asthma could be risky for some people with asthma, as they may experience exercise-induced asthma (EIA), where symptoms worsen shortly after starting physical activity. If this is a concern for you, here are a few tips to minimize the impact:

If you’re ready to get started with exercise, here are some tips to make sure it’s safe and effective:

1. Talk to your doctor first

Before starting any new exercise program, check in with your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out the best types of exercise for your asthma and provide advice on how to stay safe.

2. Warm up slowly

Warming up before exercise prepares your lungs and muscles for the activity ahead. Start slow with light stretches or walking, gradually increasing the intensity.

3. Watch the weather

Be mindful of environmental factors like air pollution, high pollen counts, or extreme temperatures. These can trigger asthma symptoms. On days when conditions are poor, try indoor exercises instead.

4. Always carry your inhaler

It’s a good idea to have your inhaler on hand in case you need it. Many people with asthma find it helpful to use their inhaler before exercise to prevent symptoms from flaring up.

At QCG, we understand that managing asthma goes beyond just medications. If you’re considering treatment abroad or want to explore your options, we can help connect you with the best medical professionals worldwide.

When should you seek help?

If you notice that exercise consistently makes your asthma symptoms worse, or if you struggle to breathe during physical activity, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor. They can help you create a safe exercise plan and may recommend treatments that can help you breathe easier during workouts.