New Active with Asthma booklet: Helping people with asthma stay active

Regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. For people with asthma, being active can improve lung capacity, physical fitness, and overall wellbeing. With good asthma management and the right preparation, most people with asthma can enjoy a wide range of activities, from walking and cycling to athletics and team sports.

The Active with Asthma booklet explores the benefits of physical activity and explains how to exercise safely with asthma. It covers common symptoms that may occur during or after exercise, the importance of good asthma control, and practical tips for staying active with confidence. The booklet also includes information on Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (EIB), which can cause asthma-like symptoms during or after physical activity, even in people who do not have asthma.

What’s inside the booklet?

The new booklet brings together information and practical guidance covering different aspects of exercise and asthma.

• Understanding asthma and exercise: The booklet explains the relationship between asthma and physical activity, including exercise as an asthma trigger, common symptoms and Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (EIB). It also looks at how asthma control can affect someone’s ability to exercise comfortably.
• Choosing an activity that suits you: From walking, running and cycling to swimming and yoga, the booklet explores different types of physical activity and how they may interact with asthma. It also includes information about field sports such as GAA, soccer and rugby, highlighting that asthma does not have to prevent people from participating in team sports.
• Understanding your exercise environment: Asthma triggers can vary from person to person, and the environment in which you exercise can be important. The booklet looks at potential triggers including pollen, mould, air pollution, cold and dry air, and chemicals found in places such as swimming pools.
• Competitive sport and asthma: For people involved in competitive sport, the booklet includes information about asthma medication and sporting regulations, including the potential need for medical evidence or a Therapeutic Use Exemption depending on the relevant sporting authority.
• Advice for coaches and PE teachers: The booklet isn’t just for people with asthma. It also includes dedicated information for coaches and PE teachers, covering their role in supporting people with asthma to participate in sport and physical activity.
• Managing symptoms and asthma attacks: The booklet also includes information about what to do if asthma symptoms occur during exercise, as well as the Asthma Emergency Plan 5 Step Rule for dealing with an asthma attack.

Asthma shouldn’t be a barrier to being active

The key message of Active with Asthma is that people with asthma should be supported to participate in physical activity and enjoy the benefits of being active.

Whether you’re someone with asthma who wants to get back into exercise, a parent supporting a child, or a coach or PE teacher supporting someone with asthma, the new booklet brings together information to help you understand asthma and exercise.