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Exercise

Some people with asthma find that exercise triggers their asthma symptoms. However, exercise is good for everyone, including people with asthma. If your asthma is well controlled, you should be able to join in, have fun and keep fit.

If your asthma symptoms get worse during or after exercise, it could be a sign that your asthma is poorly controlled and you may need to visit your doctor or asthma nurse for an asthma review.

Tips on exercising with asthma

  • Make sure the people you are exercising with know you have asthma.
  • Increase your fitness levels gradually.
  • Always have your reliever inhaler (usually blue) with you when you exercise.
  • If exercise triggers your asthma, use your reliever inhaler immediately before you warm up.
  • Ensure that you always warm up and down thoroughly.
  • Try not to come into contact with things that trigger your asthma.
  • If you have symptoms when you exercise, stop, take your reliever inhaler and wait until you feel better before starting again.

If you use preventer medicine, take it as prescribed by your doctor or asthma nurse.