Correio newspaper | Not all sports are suitable for people with asthma, warns pulmonologist

Improving respiratory capacity is one of the benefits of physical activity, but it is important to take some precautions

Published on May 7, 2024 at 10:00

Increased respiratory capacity, improved cardiovascular performance and peripheral muscle performance, reducing the sensation of shortness of breath. These are the benefits of practicing sports for patients with asthma problems. Pulmonologist Larissa Voss explains that physical activity is recommended for everyone who has the disease.

“Any type of activity is excellent for people with asthma. However, patients often need to control their asthma and use medication before exercising. In sports such as swimming, for example, it is important to consult a doctor, because the chlorine in the pool can make the disease worse”, he warns.

Biomedical doctor Jefferson Monteiro, 32 years old, has had asthma since he was born. To treat the disease, he used medication and underwent respiratory physiotherapy. After a doctor recommended physical activity, he started practicing judo and jiu-jitsu, and saw his life change.

“After I started, I was no longer hospitalized due to asthma attacks. I also learned to control my breathing and reduced the use of medications. Even though I still get tired faster than people who don’t have the disease, I can compete on equal footing”, he says.

“When I see that I am trying too hard, I stop the activity, take the medication, wait for it to take effect and return to practicing the sport”, he adds.

Engineer Vinicius Jesus, 24 years old, was diagnosed with asthma as a child. He used the pump constantly until he was six years old. At 10, he started taking swimming lessons, which helped with his breathing problems. In his case, chlorine was not a problem.

“Over time, the crises and the need to use firecrackers decreased. I recently took a spirometry test [que mede a capacidade respiratória] and the result did not change in any way,” he says.

To prevent problems with the disease during physical activity, the Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Phthisiology (SBPT) recommends that patients with asthma follow the following measures: “Identify the triggering factors for your asthma, have available the medication recommended by your doctor for use before exertion, physical activity, warm up before exercising and finish your activity with a relaxation exercise.”

“If the patient is not under control of their asthma, it is important to re-evaluate with the physical education teacher and pulmonologist before exercising. There is no point in thinking about going for a run, for example, beyond your respiratory capacity because it could lead to a more serious crisis”, concludes Larissa.