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  |  General Health  |  Diseases and conditions  |  Can asthma and exercise be possible?
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Can asthma and exercise be possible?

by Dr Howard Lee

question
I have been exercising three hours per week for nearly three years. All was going well and I was getting more fit each month. But suddenly last year I developed asthma, having never had it in my life before. My GP referred me to a respiratory specialist at the hospital and he has tried several types of drugs including steroids. I have had two x-rays, but don’t seem to be getting any better.

I am now struggling to complete my programme at the gym and I’m wheezy most of the time, especially at night. I am not sleeping properly as a result and I have some chest pains. Is there anything you can suggest?

answer
I’m sorry your great efforts seem to be upset by your asthma problem. It’s great that you have been reviewed by the respiratory team and have had any major problems eliminated. I can appreciate your feelings with regard to your exercise programme, especially as you are wheezing most of the time. Certainly, nowadays, we should be able to establish a certain measure of control, which will allow you to continue a normal lifestyle. It should also be possible – once the asthma is under control – to continue with your exercise programme. After all, there are many great athletes who are asthmatics.

It seems that, at this time, you still haven't been controlled with the prophylactic medications (those that you take regularly, all the time) to prevent the attacks of wheezing, not just treatment to take away an attack if and when you get it. I presume that you are continuing to get follow-up appointments with your doctor – this should certainly be encouraged and do keep up with a controlled exercise programme.

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