Physicians define asthma as a "chronic inflammatory disease of the airway" that causes the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Coughing
- Wheezing
Asthma has no set pattern. Its symptoms:
- Can be mild, moderate or severe
- Can vary from person to person
- Can flare up from time to time and then not appear for long periods
- Can vary from one episode to the next
The cause of asthma is not known, and currently there is no cure. However, there are many things you can do so you can live symptom-free, including adding regular exercise to your daily routine.
It's important to note that the benefits of regular exercise almost always outweigh the risks associated with exercise-induced asthma. These benefits include:
- Improved efficiency of the heart and lungs
- Increased muscle strength and endurance
- Improved flexibility and posture
- Improved ability to relax
For more information, please visit the Asthma Society of Canada website.
