Staying active is essential for your overall health, even when managing asthma, but exercise can feel intimidating if you're worried about symptoms flaring up. The good news is that, with the right guidance, you can safely enjoy physical activity and maintain control over your asthma.
At Epic Medical, Dr. Eric Skvarla, DO, and Kristine Watson, FNP, provide comprehensive family medicine care in Pittsburgh, including personalized asthma management plans. Our providers are committed to helping you understand your asthma triggers, recommending safe exercises, and guiding you through effective prevention and treatment strategies so you can remain active with confidence. If you're ready to start breathing easier and moving more comfortably, schedule an appointment with us today.
Explore the tips below for safely managing asthma symptoms while staying active in Pittsburgh.
1. Choosing Safe Exercises for People With Asthma
Not all workouts for asthmatics are equally suitable. Selecting low-impact activities that allow controlled breathing can significantly reduce the risk of asthma flare-ups.
Some of the best exercises for asthma include:
- Walking: Gentle and easily adjustable pace, ideal for beginners.
- Swimming: Warm, humid air around indoor pools is less irritating to airways.
- Yoga: Controlled breathing exercises strengthen respiratory muscles and promote relaxation.
- Cycling: Stationary or moderate outdoor cycling allows controlled intensity.
- Hiking: Gentle terrain and controlled pacing in Pittsburgh’s many local parks (such as Frick Park or Schenley Park) provide an enjoyable, asthma-friendly activity.
High-intensity exercises, especially in cold or dry air, can sometimes exacerbate asthma symptoms. Talk to your Epic Medical physician about personalized exercise recommendations tailored specifically to your asthma management goals.
2. Using Rescue Inhalers Properly Before Activity
Effective asthma and exercise management often includes appropriate medication use before physical activity. Proper use of your prescribed inhaler can significantly reduce or prevent exercise-induced asthma symptoms.
Here’s how to use your rescue inhaler properly:
- Timing: Take your inhaler about 15–20 minutes before exercising, as recommended by your doctor.
- Technique: Shake inhaler vigorously, breathe out fully, inhale slowly and deeply while activating inhaler, hold breath for at least 10 seconds, then exhale.
- Dosage: Use exactly as directed by your physician. Do not exceed recommended doses.
Consistent and correct use of your inhaler is one of the best methods for effective exercise-induced asthma treatment and helps you stay active with minimal symptoms.
3. Breathing Techniques and Proper Pacing
Learning proper breathing techniques can help you control your asthma symptoms during exercise. Effective breathing not only reduces asthma symptoms but also increases your overall fitness.
- Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing: Inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your abdomen fully, then exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Pursed-lip Breathing: Inhale gently through your nose, then exhale slowly through pursed lips, prolonging exhalation to help keep airways open.
- Controlled Pace: Avoid sudden intensity changes. Gradually warm up and cool down to minimize stress on your airways.
Our Epic Medical providers can teach you these breathing strategies to help you maintain control and confidence during physical activities.
4. Managing Outdoor Allergens and Air Quality in Pittsburgh
For Pittsburgh residents, environmental factors such as pollen, mold, and air pollution are critical considerations when planning outdoor exercise. Poor air quality can trigger asthma symptoms, making it essential to check local conditions regularly.
Effective prevention from asthma triggers includes:
- Check Pittsburgh’s air quality: Websites and apps provide daily air quality updates (such as AirNow.gov).
- Exercise Indoors on Poor Air Quality Days: Choose indoor workouts to avoid high pollen counts or pollution.
- Schedule Wisely: Morning or evening activities often have lower pollen counts.
- Wear a Mask: Consider an allergy or pollution mask during outdoor exercise on challenging days.
Epic Medical’s team can guide you in managing asthma triggers based on Pittsburgh’s local climate and air-quality challenges.
5. Working Closely With Your Healthcare Provider
Partnering closely with your healthcare provider is essential to successful asthma management, especially when staying active is your goal.
Your Epic Medical provider can offer:
- Comprehensive Asthma Evaluations: Detailed assessments and personalized asthma action plans.
- Regular Follow-ups: Consistent care to track progress, manage medication use, and adjust your plan.
- Customized Treatment Plans: Individualized recommendations, from inhaler use and medication adjustments to lifestyle and exercise guidance.
Regular check-ups ensure you receive optimal asthma management, enabling you to confidently maintain an active lifestyle.
Why Choose Epic Medical for Asthma Care in Pittsburgh?
At Epic Medical in Pittsburgh, our family medicine team specializes in comprehensive asthma care. Led by experienced providers Dr. Eric Skvarla, DO, and Kristine Watson, FNP, we understand the complexities of asthma and exercise, and we're committed to personalized treatment to enhance your quality of life.
Our asthma care services include:
- Comprehensive wellness exams and detailed pulmonary function testing
- Customized management plans, including exercise recommendations and inhaler strategies
- In-depth patient education on trigger avoidance, medication use, and symptom prevention
- Ongoing support and consistent follow-up care for long-term asthma management
We believe that staying active with asthma is achievable, and our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Live Actively and Confidently with Epic Medical’s Asthma Experts
You don't have to let asthma limit your physical activity. By choosing safe workouts, using inhalers properly, and managing air quality, you can continue doing what you love. Dr. Eric Skvarla, DO, Kristine Watson, FNP, and the Epic Medical team are ready to support your journey toward better breathing and an active lifestyle.
Schedule your appointment today to discover how Epic Medical’spersonalized family medicine care can help you safely stay active and manage your asthma with confidence.
