Asthma and the Olympics: Air Quality May Be A Major Obstacle

It should help, but athletes with lung conditions such as asthma must still be careful.

Concerned about air quality in your outdoor environment?
Here are five recommendations:

1) Learn more about air quality and follow the AQI in your area. Here is an excellent site that provides index ranges and explanations (click on this link).

2) Exercise indoors in air conditioned places during hot summer months when the AQI is high. The worst time of day to exercise outdoors when the AQI is high is early to late afternoon.

3) If you must exercise or train outdoors when air quality is bad, consider modifying your routine. For example, do a fast-paced walk instead of running (this may reduce deep inhalation of pollutants) and shorten your workout time.

4) Avoid running or exercising near or along streets and freeways. Parks or preserves would be more desirable for these activities.

5) Monitor overall control of your asthma in between workouts to avoid having an increased risk of exercise-induced asthma.

It's too bad that the delightful days of summer come with so many allergic (pollens, mold spores) and non-allergic outdoor triggers. The Olympians will persevere with appropriate adjustments and preparation. So can you!

See also:

Pollution will be challenge for Beijing Olympians

Exercise Induced Asthma Is Just Another Challenge to Overcome