Healthy Living with Asthma

Nutrition and Asthma

Nutrition, exercise and avoiding tobacco smoke are important parts of managing your asthma. Although there is no specific diet linked to improving/worsening asthma, eating a balanced diet of fresh, whole foods is beneficial for your overall health. A healthy diet rich in fruit, fiber, and vegetables is associated with reduced asthma symptoms and greater asthma control. In addition, studies have shown that certain foods can help support lung function, particularly those rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Magnesium.

However, there are some foods such as food containing sulfites (found in foods like dried fruits, wine, beer, and processed potatoes) that can worsen asthma symptoms. If you have a specific food allergy - that could also interfere with your asthma; therefore, it is advised to steer clear of any foods you are allergic to.

Exercising With Asthma

Josh, a University of Saskatchewan track athlete, who lives with asthma, knows the value of exercise. Exercise is important for everyone, including people with asthma. Although exercising can be a trigger if your asthma is not under control, exercise is important for your overall health including maintaining or improving your lung function.  Exercise also boosts your immune system, strengthens muscles, including breathing muscles, and helps to maintain a healthy heart and weight.

By being aware of your triggers and your health, you can exercise safely and effectively with asthma

To exercise safely:

  • Make sure your asthma is under control first. Do not exercise if you are having asthma symptoms.
  • Exercise when you are well. Avoid exercising if you have a cold, flu, or viral illness.
  • Avoid exercising outside if you have allergies and the pollen count is high.
  • Be aware of your triggers. Avoid exercising in extremes of temperature (hot or cold) if they trigger your asthma symptoms.
  • Pay attention to the air quality. There is a direct link between air quality and asthma symptoms. You can consult the Air Quality Health Index for your local area if you plan to exercise outdoors. 
  • Warm up for at least 15 minutes at 40-60% maximum intensity and cool down correctly.
  • Stay hydrated before, during, and after exercising.
  • Ensure you have taken your asthma medication as prescribed.
  • Always carry your reliever (rescue) inhaler with you when exercising.
  • What to do if you experience asthma symptoms when exercising.

If you begin to have asthma symptoms when exercising, stop immediately and use your reliever (rescue) inhaler.

  • Wait to see if your symptoms improve.
  • If your symptoms fully resolve, you can slowly warm-up and begin exercising again.
  • If they do not improve, take another dose of your rescue inhaler.
  • Wait a few minutes to see if your symptoms improve.
  • If you are still experiencing asthma symptoms, and they are not improving with the use of your rescue inhaler, then call 911. Keep taking your blue rescue inhaler every few minutes until medical assistance arrives.

Asthma and Tobacco, Second-hand Smoke and Vaping

Smoke of any kind, including second-hand smoke worsens asthma symptoms and makes asthma more difficult to control. E-cigarettes and vaping can also trigger asthma. Quitting smoking, avoiding second-hand smoke, and vapour from e-cigarettes will help you better manage your asthma.

If you have already quit smoking – congratulations! You have done the best thing possible to improve your health.

If you smoke, today is a great day to quit smoking. Quitting prevents additional lung damage and makes it less likely that you will get chest infections, coughs and mucus build-up.

You are not alone during your quit journey. People have been most successful in quitting when they combine counseling/support services along with nicotine replacement therapies or other medications. We suggest developing a quit plan with the help of your health care provider to find the best options for you.  Certain medications may not be recommended for you (E.g., interactions with other medication etc.). Medications can have side effects as well.  For this reason, it is best to work with your health care provider.

Medical treatments to help you quit smoking

  • Nicotine replacement therapy (NRTs), (nicotine patch, gum or lozenges, nasal spray and mouth spray). The goal of NRTs is to replace the nicotine you get from smoking without the harmful health effects. Nicotine is the addictive component in tobacco. You can get these without a prescription at most pharmacies.
  • Bupropion hydrochloride and varenicline tartrate: These are prescription medication in a pill form that work on the “addiction centre” in the brain, reducing your craving to smoke.

E-cigarettes (vapes) are Not a Safe and Effective Way to Quit

Health Canada has not approved e-cigarettes (vapes) as a safe and effective way to quit smoking.  People who use e-cigarettes inhale unknown and harmful substances.  We encourage people who are trying to quit smoking to use quit methods that are known to be safe, effective and approved by Health Canada.

Resources to help you Quit Smoking