How to Exercise with Allergy and Asthma 

It’s the beginning of summer, and the time of year when you want to do everything you can outside. You’re working from your porch, grilling in the backyard, and moving your workouts outdoors. When you mix allergy season with outdoor workouts, it can be a bit of an issue for those with allergies and allergy-related asthma  -- causing extra symptoms and making your workout even more strenuous.  

 Here are a few ways you can reduce symptoms from allergy and asthma during peak allergy season, while still getting in your daily exercise. 

 Allergies 

Allergy symptoms happen when pollen is inhaled or absorbed, and the body mistakenly interprets it as a threat. It responds by releasing histamine, causing a bunch of miserable symptoms, like itchy eyes and nose, congestion, headache, sneezing, and more.  

 These symptoms can put a damper on your workout and make it more difficult to perform at your best. If you’re struggling through symptoms, here are a few ways you can alter your routine and still get your exercise in. 

 Avoid outdoor exercise during peak pollen times 

• Check the pollen forecast for the day and move your workout indoors if pollen is high 

• Shower and change clothes afterwards to avoid bringing pollen into your home 

• Stay up to date on your allergy medications and treatment 

• Wear protective gear like sunglasses and hats to help keep pollen out of the eyes and nose 

 Asthma 

Allergic asthma works similarly to allergies. After breathing in pollen, the body can respond with constricting the airways, leading to shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightness.  

 To get the most out of your exercise, follow the same type of precautions above to help avoid symptoms. A few asthma-specific precautions are:   

• Use inhalers as suggested by your provider 

• Choose a lower intensity workout when your allergic asthma symptoms are high 

• Stay hydrated 

• When you start to feel symptoms, know that it is time to stop or move to a lower intensity workout 

 Treating the Cause 

There are only so many modifications you can make, and if you’re still not able to live your full life during allergy season or are tired of suffering, you may consider treating the cause of the allergy. Providers at Allergy Associates of La Crosse start by doing allergy testing, a thorough medical history, and an exam to determine which allergens affect you and at what specific level.  

 They provide personalized allergy drop immunotherapy following The La Crosse Method™ Protocol. Allergy drops contain small, precise amounts of the allergens you’re sensitive to, and the strength is slowly increased over time. Throughout treatment, the body realizes that the allergens aren’t harmful and quickly learns to not react when exposed naturally.  

 Many patients are left with dramatically reduced - or eliminated - symptoms, higher quality of life, less allergy-related conditions (like asthma!), and more. Schedule a consultation to get started with testing and treatment.