Did you know that swimming is advised for those with asthma?
Or that several of our most renowned Olympian swimmers, like four-time medalist Rebecca Adlington, suffered from asthma?
Continue reading for additional details on the connection between asthma and swimming, including facts, myths, and advice for your upcoming pool visit.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe because the person’s airways restrict, swell, and create excess mucus.
Even mild cases of asthma can make it difficult to carry out regular tasks. It might occasionally result in a potentially fatal attack.
Common Symptoms Of Asthma
Asthma symptoms include:
- breathing issues
- chest pain
- coughing
- wheezing
Sometimes the symptoms could escalate.
What Helps During An Asthma Attack?
Rescue inhalers, which relieve symptoms, and controller inhalers, which prevent symptoms, are typically used to manage asthma.
Oral steroids and longer-acting inhalers that open the airways may be necessary for serious conditions.
First Aid For Asthma
Assist the individual in taking their inhaler while sitting comfortably. A person’s airways tighten during an asthma episode, making it challenging for them to breathe. When the muscles are relaxed, the airways can open up and facilitate easier breathing.
It is advised to enrol in a professional first aid course to be aware of every technical procedure to be performed during an asthma attack.
Asthma And Swimming: What You Need To Know
- Many children and people with asthma like to swim, which has a number of health advantages, including enhanced physical fitness and mental well-being.
- Swimming has scientifically been advised for those with asthma since the warm, muggy environment is less provoking.
- There may be a connection between asthma symptoms and swimming in chlorine pools, according to several studies. The fundamental assumption is that airway irritation may be caused by pool chlorine and its byproducts.
- According to the most recent studies, there isn’t much proof that swimming for fun can aggravate asthma that is already under control. In fact, preliminary research indicates that swimming may improve lung health.
Do’s And Don’ts For Swimming With Asthma
The Do’s
- Apply the “nose test.” A chemical imbalance or issues with pool ventilation may be indicated if you smell a strong chemical odour after being around the pool for more than three minutes. Do not stay in the water for too long, and alert the pool staff.
- Always take a shower before entering the water to help keep the water quality high.
- Keep your “reliever” inhaler at the poolside at all times.
- Try to use your “reliever” inhaler (as directed) ten minutes before you go swimming.
- To lower the risk of exercise-induced asthma, properly warm up and cool down.
- If swimming seems to aggravate your asthma, talk to your doctor; this could mean that your current medication isn’t working as well as it should.
The Don’ts
- Do not go swimming when you have a severe cold or when your asthma symptoms are bothersome.
Will swimming pool chlorine affect asthma?
Studies have indicated that elite athletes are more susceptible to asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, especially those training in demanding endurance sports like swimming. Elite swimmers may acquire asthma as a result of their extensive training and frequent exposure to chlorine.
Consult your doctor about asthma management options and prevention if you encounter asthma symptoms while swimming.
What Else Triggers Asthma?
You may be wondering what allergies and asthma have in common other than the fact that they both make you uncomfortable. As it turns out, quite a bit. Allergies and asthma are frequently found together.
Pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, which can induce hay fever (allergic rhinitis) symptoms, can also cause asthma signs and symptoms. Skin or food allergies or gluten allergies might trigger asthma symptoms in certain people. This condition is known as allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma.
What Causes Asthma Symptoms When An Allergic Reaction Occurs?
When immune system proteins (antibodies) wrongly identify a safe substance, such as tree pollen, as an invader, an allergic reaction develops. Antibodies bind to allergens in an attempt to defend your body from the substance.
Allergy symptoms and indicators include nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin reactions caused by chemicals secreted by your immune system. This same reaction affects the lungs and airways in certain patients, resulting in asthma symptoms.
Do Not Remain A Bystander In Case Of An Emergency
Asthma attacks are common in workplaces, homes and in any public or enclosed setting. It is a good idea to be equipped with the appropriate knowledge on how you can help in saving a life. Enrolling in a certified course for learning First Aid/CPR makes you a true hero who, in case of an emergency, can come forward and save the day!
Learn A New Life-Saving Skill
Learning is limitless when it comes to acquiring skills that really make a difference. Every day someone collapses either due to a cardiac arrest, an asthma attack, an allergy that started slow or maybe just a bite from an unwelcomed insect. All of this seems trivial sometimes but does have the capacity to cost someone’s life.
The best option is to learn a skill in the best possible manner and find a professional, recognised training organisation.
