Exercise induced asthma occurs when our breathing changes and becomes deeper and faster. Research now suggests that the attack happens because the cold air entering our lungs at a faster rate dries the airways and makes them cooler. When an asthma sufferer's airways become too dry an allergic reaction takes place. Running outside is a good example of this. However, swimming can be a fantastic form of exercising for people with asthma as there is rarely any risk of exercise induced asthma attacks. Having said that though, be careful, as some people can get a reaction from the chlorinated water in public swimming pools.

Asthma sufferers, rather than spending their lives sitting down, should exercise more often than people without the illness. Regular exercise helps create strong muscles and lungs, which is definitely an advantage. If you go about it the right way, there is no reason at all why you should not have a normal, healthy body. As always though, knowing specifically what to do and how to do it are essential.

If you really enjoy running but seem to get an exercise induced asthma attack every time you go out, consider changing to the treadmill at the gym. There is a lot more cold air to be found outside on a winter morning than in a nice warm gym. Studies are starting to agree also that the period of exercise is important too. It takes around six minutes for an exercise induced asthma attack to come on, but running or swimming for less time doesn't usually have this effect. Therefore you need to choose your sport carefully. Team sports like American football or soccer are good examples. You can have a quick burst of speed and then slow down again. This will also help strengthen your breathing muscles. The problem with asthma attacks is that after a while these muscles get too tired to work properly. Now, how do you strengthen muscles?