FACT SHEET

ALLERGY, ASTHMA AND EXERCISE

Regular exercise is beneficial for everyone, and may be particularly helpful for individuals with allergies and asthma. Though many people with asthma avoid exercise because they fear an asthma attack, a well-planned exercise program can improve their overall physical and emotional well-being and help them manage their asthma symptoms. Here are some tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology for exercising with allergies:

• An exercise program should be planned in consultation with an allergist-immunologist or other physician. The doctor can advise which activities may provoke asthma or allergies and how to treat the symptoms.

• Exercise-induced asthma symptoms such as tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath may be controlled by using a bronchodilator inhaler before exercising.

• Nose and sinus passages should be clear when exercising. The nasal passages act as natural filters and humidifiers to keep air at proper temperatures and filter out pollutants, irritants and allergens. The proper use of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants or nasal sprays can help.

• Stop-and-go exercises such as wrestling, weight training, softball and doubles tennis cause the least amount of restriction in the bronchial passages and are usually best for people with asthma. Warm, humidified air from water makes swimming an ideal sport for allergy and asthma-prone athletes.

• Avoid exercising in cold, windy weather or when pollen counts are high. Exercising near fields of grass and weeds or in areas where there are high levels of chemical irritants, such as car exhaust or factory pollutants, also may aggravate asthma or allergies.

• If a person has a known allergy to insect stings, injectable epinephrine should always be carried when exercising outdoors.

• When exercising indoors, stay away from open windows and doors to limit contact with outdoor allergens. Use a mat if exercising on carpeting, which can harbor allergy triggers such as dust mites, animal dander and dust.

• Limit exercise during periods when asthma or allergy symptoms are severe and may be aggravated by increased activity.

The ACAAI has more information that can help you get your allergies and asthma under control.  Call its toll-free number 800-842-7777 or visit www.acaai.org.