Excercising with Asthma

Physical activity has been shown to be very beneficial to many asthmatics and those struggling with breathing. People with asthma may beg to differ, but according to Dr. Christopher J. Worsnop, an Australian respiratory and sleep physician, opposing Ford et al, people with asthma tend to be more physically active and exercise more. Also, their lack of exercise deals more with lack of fitness rather than problems with airflow through the body. His studies have shown that army recruits with bronchoconstriction interfering with exercise can increase and improve their VO2 max to the same capacity as those without trouble breathing. Aerobic training also helps the most in mild asthma with fitness level and ventilatory capacity.

 Worsnop goes on to say that, "we should all undertake at least 30 min of moderate physical activity for all or most days of the week" (Worsnop, 2003). Obesity and asthma have also been correlated incorrectly, and, in fact, asthma is not always the case. But it is true that weight loss from increased physical activity has shown to increase asthma control. Other than obesity, there has also been a wrong correlation between lack of physical activity and asthma development for children. Asthma should not be an excuse to lay around anywhere and not do anything about it. It should be a motivational tool to exercise more than you would normally do to better your body. Another phrase that Dr. Worsnop says, "Having asthma should not be a barrier to exercise" (Worsnop, 2003).