Asthma exercise

Can people with asthma exercise?
Yes. People with asthma should not avoid exercise as it is beneficial. Swimming is often recommended when asthma is under control. Most asthmatics can participate and excel at any sport (a number of Olympic medalists have asthma). For people whose asthma is brought on specifically by exercise, medication can be taken before exercise to help avoid an episode.
What is exercise induced asthma?
This is narrowing of the airways that is caused by exercise. It is more likely to happen when there is exposure to cold air with low humidity, and air pollutants. A specialized test that includes cycling or treadmill running is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the factors that contribute to asthma attacks?
There are many different factors that can trigger an asthma attack. These may be found indoors and outdoors and include:
Cold air
Tobacco smoke and wood smoke
Perfume, paint and any strong odors or fumes
Allergens (particles that cause allergies) like dust mites, pollen, molds and animal dander
Infections (viral or bacterial) including common cold and influenza
What is a peak flow meter?
It is a simple device which measures airflow and therefore determines how open your airways are objectively (rather than by guessing). It is analogous to a thermometer for a patient with fever. It is used to determine the severity of an attack, to monitor response to treatment and to detect worsening in lung function in a patient who has difficulty recognizing symptoms of asthma thereby enabling prompt treatment to avoid a possible serious attack.
What is the relationship between asthma and smoking?
Smoking has a harmful effect on the airways and can trigger an asthma attack. All asthmatics should not smoke, and should also avoid passively inhaling smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes from family members.

What happens when an asthmatic gets pregnant?
About a third of asthmatics worsen during pregnancy. Uncontrolled asthma causes a reduction in oxygen content in the mother's blood. Since the fetus gets its oxygen from the mothers blood, this may lead to impaired fetal growth and survival. Properly controlled asthma does not increase the risk of maternal or infant complications and is essential during pregnancy.