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Self-Care Tips | Asthma

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Exercise and asthma can go together if you keep your symptoms under control. 

 

What you can do to cope with asthma

  • Take asthma medicine prior to exercising.
  • Warm up for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Slowly increase your intensity. You should be able to carry on a conversation while exercising.
  • Modify your workout—try short bursts of activity followed by brief rest periods instead of one long period of exertion.
  • Exercise in a warm, moist environment. The cold can trigger an asthma attack.
  • Avoid environmental factors such as pollen, dust and air pollutants.
  • When exercising in cold weather, wear a scarf or cold air mask.
  • If you're having a flare-up stop immediately.
  • Take 10 minutes to cool down after exercising.
  • Don't exercise if symptoms are present before you start.

 

When to call your primary care provider

  • Before you begin any type of exercise program

 

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