Did you know about 6.8 million children in the U.S. have asthma? Most of these children don't get enough exercise because they're scared that it could trigger an asthma attack. I know I was.  When I had P.E. at school, I would just do small exercises or sit out because I didn't know if I could keep my asthma under control. 

Having asthma does not mean you can't exercise, and that's a known fact.  Exercise is greatly recommended for people with asthma because it helps strengthen your breathing muscles, boosts your immune system, and helps maintain a healthy body weight.

It is important to have your asthma under control before you start to exercise. Here are seven steps to keep in mind while exercising:

1. Keep your rescue inhaler on you (in a pocket, a fanny pack, etc.) at all times.

2. Check that your asthma is under control. If it's not under control, exercise could be dangerous.

3. Take your medications as directed.

If you're having trouble breathing, you should take your rescue medicine (blue inhaler such as Ventolin). Your doctor may also ask you to take your rescue inhaler or another bronchodilator fifteen minutes before you exercise. (This has helped me.)

4. Warm up and cool down properly

Before you exercise, warm up slowly by walking or stretching.  Cool down slowly for at least 10 minutes after you're done exercising. Don't stop exercising all of a sudden.

5. Protect yourself from other asthma triggers while you're exercising (cold air, smog, pollen,etc.)  

Pay attention to the temperature where you're planning to exercise. Use your good judgment.  You may have to move to a place with a better temperature.

If you are planning a run outside on a hot, humid, or smoggy day, your asthma is likely to be made worse by the air and by exercise. Try running indoors, in an air-conditioned gym instead.

If you are running on a grass field but are allergic to grass, your asthma may get worse. Try running in the woods or on a paved trail.

If cold air is a trigger, your asthma may get worse. Try breathing through your nose or through a scarf to warm the air up before it gets to your lungs. If your asthma symptoms are bad, wait until the temperature warms up before exercising.

6. If you have symptoms, stop exercising and take your rescue inhaler

Sit up. Wait a few minutes to see if your symptoms improve.

If your symptoms improve a lot, warm up again and slowly go back to exercising.

If your symptoms don't improve, take another dose of your rescue inhaler. Wait a few minutes to see if your symptoms improve.

7. If your symptoms still don't improve and you are having an asthma attack, follow these instructions:

STOP any activity

Take your rescue inhaler

Sit up

If the medicine is not working, call 911

If symptoms are not getting better, keep taking your blue rescue inhaler until the ambulance arrives

*Be sure to talk with your doctor before you try something new.  Check out this local resource guide to see places you can go to exercise and be active.   

Do you have asthma and do you exercise?  If so, what has worked for you?  Do you have any tips for anyone else who may be reading this?