Swimming for asthma: benefits, risks, and tips for safe swimming

Asthma is a disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This condition causes sufferers to feel short of breath or difficulty breathing. Therefore, people with asthma are encouraged to choose the right exercise for their condition. One type of exercise that is highly recommended for asthma sufferers is swimming. Come on, see what are the benefits of swimming for asthma.

Why is swimming for asthma so recommended?

Since long time ago, swimming is a recommended sport for asthma sufferers. This is because swimming is less likely to trigger asthma to recur when compared to other sports.

This can be caused by the high humidity of the air around the pool. That way, the air that enters is not too dry and the respiratory tract of people with asthma is not irritated.

Not only that, the horizontal (not upright) body position when swimming also has a positive effect on the respiratory tract of asthmatics. Compared to other sports, this posture will relax your airways. Your body doesn't need to support as much pressure as if you were standing up. In a swimming pool, some of your body's weight will be supported by water.

The benefits of regular swimming for asthmatics

Many people with asthma are afraid to exercise. Generally, they worry that fatigue will make their asthma attacks recur. Well, swimming can be a solution for asthmatics to stay active and exercise.

The reason is, lack of exercise can also make the physical condition of people with asthma more susceptible to disease, making it easier for asthma to recur.

Swimming is safer than sports such as marathons. In addition, swimming is often recommended for asthma patients because it is useful for maintaining lung function.

Several studies have also revealed that asthma symptoms can be reduced in asthma patients who regularly do swimming exercises compared to those who do not.

Although it is useful, is there a risk of swimming for asthma patients?

Swimming itself is safe for people with asthma. However, there are dangerous substances in the swimming pool that you should be aware of. Several recent studies have revealed that high chlorine levels in swimming pools can have an irritating effect on the respiratory tract, so that it is at risk of causing your asthma to recur.

Chlorine is a compound that kills germs, bacteria, and dirt that is often used in swimming pools. When we swim, a small portion of chlorine can be inhaled into the respiratory tract. This can cause irritation, especially in people with asthma.

According to a study from the journal Pediatrics, inhaled chlorine has the risk of causing the swimmer's respiratory tract to be more sensitive to allergens, which are triggers for allergic asthma attacks.

What's more, it is known that chlorine exposure to babies can also cause asthma. The reason is, babies have lungs that are still developing and imperfect, so they are very sensitive to chemicals that can cause irritation such as chlorine.

Despite the risks, the greater benefits of swimming for asthmatics may need to be your main consideration. The side effects of chlorine may not be as great if you don't exercise at all.

Plus, each person's sensitivity is different. It could be that your respiratory tract is not very sensitive so it will be fine. If you are in doubt, try to consult a doctor for a definite answer.

Things that sufferers must pay attention to before swimming

Unfortunately, chlorine is a chemical substance that is often used as a disinfecting agent or bacteria killer. That is why, it is better to maintain cleanliness when those of you who have asthma want to swim.

Some swimming pools provide chlorine value information. Maybe, you can choose the one whose chlorine level is not too high. This is important so that you can maintain the health of the respiratory tract and prevent asthma from recurring.

Also make sure that after swimming you immediately clean yourself, take a shower with running water and soap. Do not relax for too long by the pool in a bathing suit to minimize the risk of inhaling particles that can potentially trigger asthma.