Swimming is the best exercise for asthma patients, says swimming academy manager

PATIENTS with persistent lung diseases, like asthma, can benefit greatly from swimming.

This has been revealed by Aleshandra Clutties, a manager at Dolphinatics Swimming Academy in Pinetown, as the globe observes World Asthma Day (WAD), today, May 2. WAD is organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a World Health Organisation collaborative organisation founded in 1993.  WAD is held each May to raise awareness of asthma worldwide. GINA has chosen ‘Asthma Care for All’ as the theme for the 2023 World Asthma Day.

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Clutties said, “People with asthma, particularly those with sports-induced asthma, may have difficulty because the bronchial tubes constrict when heat and moisture are lost from them. This occurs when there is chilly and dry weather. Because swimming replaces the moisture lost through vigorous breathing, it is the greatest form of exercise for people with asthma.”

She highlighted that swimming improves lung function in children and helps improve breathing techniques and the muscles used to help with breathing. Swimming also helps with all-round fitness. Swimming is the best exercise for asthma patients. The fitter a person is, the less often an asthmatic reaction will occur. However, it is important to listen to your body and avoid over-swimming,” Clutties advises.

She said they have never observed the asthma day before, but she is committed to making parents and swimmers more aware of it this year.  The manager added, “World Asthma Day is important as asthma affects millions of people globally, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. The day may not be as recognised as other important days, but it is extremely important to those who suffer daily from this respiratory condition. Those who have asthma must make sure they always take preventative measures to help maintain health. Regular exercise is good for the mind, body and lungs.”