Exercise as it relates to Disease/Resistance Training for athletes with Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease and can be attributed to a combination of respiratory conditions. It involves inflammation of the pulmonary airways and bronchial hypersensitivity or airway hyperresponsivness (AHR) which results in airway obstruction. Inflammation of the airways is caused by two things: plasma proteins exuded from airway vessels and mucus glycoproteins secreted from surface epithelial cells. Bronchial hypersensitivity is caused by a variety of stimulants that induce an exaggerated constriction of the bronchioles

Types of Asthma
There are many different strands of asthma which all have different triggers. Cough-Induced asthma, allergic asthma, non-allergic asthma and exercise-induced asthma are some common examples. An asthma sufferer isn't limited to one trigger, a combination of stimuli can lead to an attack.

Causes
The causes of asthma are both genetic and environmental. The environment will play a role in whether or not an atopic individual will develop asthma. Genetic factors will determine how severe the inflammatory response.

Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of asthma include trouble breathing, wheezing, faint whistling, tightness in chest and coughing at night or during exercise

Comorbidities
Asthma has a high comorbidity rate as it is a combination of conditions. Symptoms overlap with obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, emphysema and rhinitis. There is also evidence that severe asthma can lead to heightened anxiety and depression

Benefits of Resistance Training

 * Increased cardiopulmonary fitness
 * Increased muscle strength and size which leads to more oxygen
 * Increased muscular endurance
 * general health and wellbeing

Exercise Recommendations
Asthma sufferers may need to participate in an extended warm up, gradually increasing intensity throughout. Using an inhaler 15 minutes before exercise can help prevent symptoms. Breathing through the nose will help moisten and warm air before it reaches the bronchioles

Further Readings and Research
There is a substantial amount of evidence that resistance training can help asthma sufferers, however the clinical guidelines for exercising with asthma are very limited. More research is needed to realise its full potential and would be beneficial as a prevention.

Further Information
 * Asthma Australia
 * National Asthma Council
 * Asthma | Asthma and Exercise