²³
Many people think they should avoid exercise or sport because they have asthma. However, the only sport not allowed for people with asthma is scuba diving. Exercise isn't a cure for asthma, but it can help you cope with your condition. That's why regular exercise should be a part of your management plan. Some people who exercise regularly find they have fewer asthma attacks.

Despite this, exercise can sometimes trigger or start your asthma: this is called exercise induced asthma (EIA). Exercise induced asthma is brought on by the physical exertion of exercising or playing sport.

Your increased need for oxygen makes you breathe faster and through your mouth. The air is colder and drier because it hasn't been warmed and humidified by your nose.

With a few simple precautions, you can reduce the chance of exercise induced asthma.

• Make sure your asthma is managed properly on a daily basis
• Use your puffer around five to ten minutes before you warm up
• Always warm up by lightly, moving and stretching for ten to fifteen minutes before you play sport or exercise

If you feel the symptoms of exercise induced asthma:

• Stop what you're doing
Take one or two puffs from your blue/grey reliever puffer
Wait until you are symptom-free before you re-start exercising

If the symptoms don't go away (or if they return while you're exercising) use your puffer, stop exercising and visit your doctor.