Spare time

Is your asthma stopping you from enjoying your free time? Drop me a line and I'll see if I can answer your problem. 

There’s so much on TV about the importance of exercising and I really want to do more - what is the best type of exercise for someone with asthma? | Bradley, 11

Swimming is a great exercise for people with asthma because the warm, humid air at the pool isn't likely to trigger your symptoms. But be careful: a few people find the change in temperature or chlorine can irritate their airways. Yoga is also a good workout for both body and mind. It helps you to deal better with stress (which can trigger asthma), and some people find the breathing exercises helpful, too. But basically, whatever you fancy doing - just try it!

A few sports can be more risky for people with asthma. They include scuba diving and other sports that involve the use of pressurised air or oxygen. Some countries won't allow you to go scuba diving if you have asthma, so check before you book a holiday. Skiing, hiking and climbing may also cause problems, especially at high altitudes, where the air is thinner and often colder. If you're keen to try one of these sports, talk to your doctor or nurse first. Also, tell your sport instructor that you have asthma, and remember to get your parents or guardian to mention it on any insurance, fitness declaration, and medical waiver forms.

If sport just isn't your cup of tea, you should still build some exercise into your life. Take the stairs instead of the lift, get off the bus a stop early, or dance to your favourite tunes. These are all deposits in your exercise 'bank'!

I want to take part in the mini London marathon next year to raise money for Asthma UK. I’ve had asthma for as long as I can remember. It is quite mild and under control but exercise is one of my triggers - do you have any tips to help get me through it | Briony, 13

Exercise is good for everyone. If you exercise often, you can enjoy your food without worrying about your weight. Exercise makes your skin glow, and your hair shine. And if you strengthen your lungs and heart they'll be ready to help you out if you have an asthma attack.

If exercise is one of your triggers follow these tips and you shouldn't have any problems...

  • if you've been prescribed a preventer treatment, take it regularly
  • tell your teacher or sports coach you have asthma
  • if exercise triggers your asthma, use your reliever inhaler immediately before warming up
  • always warm up properly, for 5-10 minutes - 30-second sprints are one good warm-up exercise
  • if your symptoms start while you're exercising, stop, take your reliever inhaler and wait until you feel better before starting again
  • 'warm down' after exercise - don't stop suddenly
  • be aware of your outdoor asthma triggers - such as cold weather or pollen - and if you can, exercise indoors to avoid them
  • take it easy if you've got a cold or flu.
  • If you're a bit out of shape, build up your fitness gradually.


If you follow this advice and still feel more breathless than usual, visit your doctor or nurse, because this means your asthma isn't under control. Aerobic exercise - the kind that really gets you fit - should make you a bit out-of-breath, but not too much. You should still be able to hold a conversation while you're exercising. Good luck with your running - it is great for Asthma UK to have your support.