Losing weight has been proven to help alleviate many health conditions including high blood pressure and diabetes.
But does weight loss improve asthma? That’s what we are going to examine in this article, so let’s get started…!
Asthma is a terrifying condition that causes shortness of breath, chest pains, coughing, and wheezing.
Millions of people suffer from this condition worldwide and have to face the symptoms every day.
While most diseases have consistent symptoms, asthma varies because it can come every now and again or it can come multiple times a day.
On top of not knowing when they’ll have an asthma attack, asthmatics also have to deal with environmental issues.
Most people with asthma know that being around smokers, smoggy air, or a lot of dust can set off an attack.
However, this varies from person to person, so there’s never anything definite. This is why most asthmatics are extremely careful about their environment, from checking daily weather reports to avoiding large cities.
But, one factor that can increase the chance of having asthma and increase the symptoms of asthma is often overlooked: Obesity.
Several studies have been done that have found a direct link between obesity and the risk of being diagnosed with asthma.
In fact, asthma is 92% more common in people who are obese. There are several reasons why being overweight might cause asthma, though researchers can’t settle on one.
The first factor could be that when a person is overweight, they are more likely to have inflamed bronchial tubes, which is one of the main causes of asthma.
Another reason asthma might be more likely to be found in the obese is because of the extra weight placed on the chest.
When extra pressure is put on the chest, the ability for the lungs to inflate and deflate is hindered.
Studies have found that obesity puts extra pressure on the diaphragm, which can make breathing difficult.
This, combined with the inflammation in the bronchial tubes, could be a reason why asthma is more likely to be found in the obese.
How Weight Loss Can Help Alleviate Asthma
Most doctors agree that one way to improve asthma symptoms is to lose weight. By dropping any extra weight, less stress is put on the chest.
And, when fat is dropped from the body, it doesn’t have as much inflammation, which can help control the contracting of the bronchial tubes.
While studies have proven that weight loss is ideal for obese asthmatics, the information isn’t as clear for asthmatics who are overweight.
However, for asthmatics who are overweight and are looking for a reason to slim down, the possibility of improving their asthma is the perfect motivation.
Unfortunately, losing weight can be difficult for those with asthma, especially when it comes to exercising.
As mentioned above, there are several factors that can cause asthma flare ups, from sinuses to unclean air. Many times, overweight asthmatics have weaker lungs, which means exertion can be difficult for them.
This is why asthmatics who are exercising to lose weight should be very careful and make sure the conditions are right for them to exercise.
One of the most dangerous conditions for asthmatics to exercise in is cold weather. The cold constricts the lungs and can make it extremely difficult to breath.
This is why it’s recommended that asthmatics who are trying to lose weight to improve their asthma should workout in a warm environment.
Gyms are ideal, but those working out at home can do so as long as the home is warm enough.
A doctor should be consulted before any asthmatic begins an exercise routine.
A professional will be able to give advice on what exercises are best for each individual. And may be able to recommend ways to keep asthma flare ups from happening during exercise.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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