Respiratory symptoms during exercise

31 Jul, 2016 - 00:07 0 Views
Respiratory symptoms during exercise

The Sunday News

breathe

Lee-Anne
MANY people do different forms of exercise ranging from those that go to the gym, jog around the block to the dedicated sports players.

The normal functioning of the respiratory system is critical to athletic performance. Anyone would agree with me that breathing is vital and running short of breath is not only uncomfortable but can cause one to panic, thereby worsening the condition.

Previously I have written a few articles on COPD and asthma which are conditions that can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and wheezing. People suffering from these conditions should consult their doctor and physiotherapist in order to get the correct exercise dosages.

Common respiratory symptoms

Many people get into a panic attack when they struggle to breathe. Most never know what to do and as a result they panic even more and breathe even less. The following are symptoms that can indicate the presence of respiratory diseases in sportsmen:

Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Coughing
Chest pains or tightness

It is important to understand how each of these symptoms present in order to know how to manage them.

1 Firstly, let me unpack the word

“breathlessness”. This is usually a subjective symptom that can be defined as an “increased difficulty in breathing.”

Some degree of breathlessness is a normal body’s response to exercise. Most of us are so unfit such that when we exercise we feel like we will drop to the ground. However, if one complains of excessive shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, particularly during rest or low-intensity exercise, they may be suffering from a respiratory or cardiac condition. In younger sportsmen the most common cause is asthma.

2 Next, coughing is such a common symptom but easily disregarded as nothing by people. The most common questions by health professionals at interviews is that how long one has had the cough for, whether or not it produces something, in most instances mucous (sputum) and lastly the colour.

3 Chest pain or tightness — After or during exercise, many people have a lot of people experience chest tightness. Chest pain is a medical emergency and should never be taken lightly for it is one of the major symptoms of Cardiac arrest. There are many causes of chest pains that may remain hidden up until they are aggravated by exercise.

How to manage a sudden shortness of breath

Like I mentioned earlier shortness of breath can cause a panic attack. If shortness of breath occurs during or after exercise here are a few things to remember:

-Stand supported against a wall with your hands on your knees (recovery position)
-Take charge of your breathing (breathe in and out slowly)
-Breathe in with your nose and out with your mouth.
-If you are asthmatic remember to always have your inhaler on you.
-With excessive shortness of breath seek attention so that people can help to carry you.

People that frequently suffer from the above- mentioned symptoms usually are taught breathing exercises.

Deep breathing exercises: How to do them

Step 1: Sit and make sure your legs are fully supported.
Step 2: Make sure it’s your chest moving and not your shoulders.
Step 3: Breathe in with your mouth and out with your nose.
Step 4: Take a deep breath in and out (repeat twice).
Step 5: Take a deep breath in and keep the breath in for three seconds and take it out slowly.

It goes without mentioning that breathing is important to anyone. The importance of this article is to make sure people are in charge of their breathing and also know what symptoms to watch out for during exercise. Lastly, if one is suffering from flu try not to do exercises at all or do minimal exercise. ‘Take Care of your busy body, You owe that to your family.

For more information please email me on [email protected] Or follow my blog www.healthpromotionbyleeanne.wordpress.com
Lee-Anne Hall
BSc Physiotherapy

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