5 Healthy Exercise-Related Resolutions | Covenant Allergy and Asthma

It’s no secret that combining exercise with asthma can be challenging. Yet, exercise remains one of the most popular types of New Year’s resolutions. Covenant Allergy and Asthma wants to help Chattanoogans stick to those healthy resolutions without triggering asthma flare-ups. Here are five tips to help you make some smart exercise-related goals.

Address EIB.
EIB stands for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. If you’re among the ten percent of Americans with EIB, you’ll experience shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and excessive fatigue when you try to exercise. To prevent these symptoms, you’ll need to use your prescribed inhaler before you begin your workout. Also be sure to breathe through your nose, instead of your mouth.

Check food labels.
Some food preservatives can trigger an asthma attack. Make sure you always read nutrition labels before you eat new foods. Some products may contain hidden food allergens like milk, wheat and eggs. Energy bars are popular among many avid exercisers, but they can be filled with allergens like soy or nuts.

Think inside the gym.
Keep in mind that many gym accessories like rubber mats, medicine balls and some coated free weights might contain latex. If you don’t have a latex allergy, you’ll still need to be aware that disinfectant wipes and sprays in the gym can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can trigger an asthma attack or cause skin irritation.

What are the best exercises for people with asthma?

Consider indoor vs. outdoors.
For those allergic to environmental factors like pollen and grass, indoor exercise might be best. But if you really prefer to exercise outdoors despite your allergies? Make sure you take your allergy medication and avoid going outdoors when the pollen counts are highest (usually the middle of the day and afternoon). Also change your clothes and shower right after you finish your workout to remove any allergens that may have latched onto your person.

Rethink your apparel.
Sometimes your workout clothes can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms–especially when they’re made of synthetic materials. Check clothing labels carefully and select spandex (Lycra) or natural fibers which are less likely to cause irritation. Those with a latex allergy should be particularly careful with athletic shoes and elastic waistbands.

Are you experiencing symptoms of allergies or asthma? We are here for you. Call (423) 468-3267 to schedule an appointment today with Covenant Allergy and Asthma, or visit our website to learn more about our services.