TeenHealthFX - Answers - Basketball Player Who Needs Help Getting In Shape With Asthma

Managing Sports & Medical Conditions / Question
Published: August 7, 2002

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am 14 years old. I play basketball and I need to get back in shape. I don't need to lose weight right away, I just need to get my lungs into shape because he makes us do a lot of running and I don't want to be the one that can't do it. I have asthma so how should I start to get in shape without it bothering my asthma too much. Thanks.

Signed: Basketball Player Who Needs Help Getting In Shape With Asthma

Dear Basketball Player Who Needs Help Getting In Shape With Asthma,

Since you do have asthma, it is best if you discuss this with your doctor to make sure you are both in agreement about what you can and cannot do. Here is some general information that you may want to share with him/her in making up your exercise program:

This a great time of year for that question because swimming is recommended as the ideal sport for asthmatics because the air is humidified, and exhaling underwater prolongs exhalation and increases end-expiratory pressure, which will help get your lungs in shape. Weight lifting is another excellent choice to get into shape because it does not require sustained exertion.

Remember, you should not participate in sports unless your asthma is well controlled (with or without daily medication). That means that your not having a lot of symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, pain around the chest) when you are not exercising.

Here are a few basic commonsense tips to help you safely exercise with asthma:

If you have a bronchodilator, take a couple of puffs about 15 minutes before you exercise. This should prevent an asthma attack in most people.
If you start to feel an asthma attack coming on, stop what your doing and use your bronchodilator again. If that does not make you feel better, you may need to go to the Emergency Room for immediate care.
Drink plenty of water to help prevent your airways from drying out.
Do not exercise if you have a cold or the flu.
Do not exercise outside on hot, dry days.

You should be able to participate in physical activity as long as your asthma is controlled and conditions are good. The most important thing is to learn what your limits are and know when to stop and when to use your bronchodilator.

Signed: TeenHealthFX