Exercise for Asthma Patients

The standard exercise recommendation -20 to 30 minutes at 60% to 85% of maximum heart rate four or five times a week- should be part of asthma management. Not only will patients benefit in a general way, but improved fitness is likely to reduce airway reactivity and medication use. The capacity to exercise, however, requires good general control of asthma, including use of inhaled corticosteroids and avoidance of triggers. In addition, patients must be taught to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction by using inhaled medications and strategies like avoiding cold-weather exercise.