Swimming and Asthma: 6 Ways It Can Help, and How to Swim Safely
Swimming is often suggested for people with asthma, and research in children backs it up. Here is what it can and cannot do, and how to swim safely if you or your child has asthma.
Important: this article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise programme if you have asthma, and follow your own asthma action plan.
What the research says
A Cochrane systematic review of trials in children and teenagers with stable asthma found that swimming training was well tolerated, improved physical fitness and gave small improvements in lung function. It did not find that swimming worsened asthma control. The review could not say whether swimming is better than other forms of exercise; it is simply one good option. Research in adults is more limited, but the general message is the same: for people whose asthma is well controlled, regular exercise is encouraged.
6 ways swimming can help people with asthma
1. It builds fitness
The clearest benefit in the research is better aerobic fitness. A fitter body uses oxygen more efficiently, so everyday activities such as climbing stairs or playing in the playground may feel easier.
2. It may modestly improve lung function
The Cochrane review found small improvements in measures of lung function in children who did swimming training. The effect is modest, so swimming is not a replacement for prescribed medication, but it is a welcome bonus.
3. Warm, humid air is often easier to breathe
Exercise in cold, dry air is a common trigger for exercise-induced asthma symptoms. The air just above a pool is usually warm and humid, which many people with asthma find more comfortable. In Singapore, most public pools are outdoors, so swimmers avoid the stuffy air of poorly ventilated indoor pools.
4. It trains calm, controlled breathing
Swimming requires a regular breathing rhythm: a quick breath in, then a slow breath out underwater. Learning to control the breath in this way can help swimmers feel calmer and more in control, though it is not a treatment for asthma.
5. It is low impact and adjustable
Because water supports your body, swimming is easy to adjust: you can slow down, rest at the wall or switch to a gentler stroke at any time. That makes it easier to build up gradually than many land sports.
6. It keeps children active with their friends
Children with asthma sometimes miss out on sport. Swimming gives them a structured, supervised activity they can enjoy with others, and the water safety skills they learn are valuable for every child.
Possible triggers to be aware of
- Chlorine by-products. In poorly ventilated indoor pools, chemicals formed when chlorine reacts with sweat and other substances can irritate the airways. Well-maintained and outdoor pools are less likely to cause problems. Showering before swimming helps keep pool water cleaner for everyone.
- Hard efforts without a warm-up. Sudden, intense exercise can trigger symptoms. Start slowly.
- Colds and flare-ups. If your asthma is not well controlled or you have a respiratory infection, rest until you are better.
- Haze. On days with poor air quality, check NEA's advice and consider skipping outdoor exercise.
How to swim safely with asthma
- Have an asthma action plan agreed with your doctor, and follow it.
- Keep your reliever inhaler at the poolside, not in a locker.
- Tell the instructor or lifeguard that you or your child has asthma, what the triggers are and what to do if symptoms start.
- Warm up gradually with easy swimming before any harder efforts.
- Stop and get out if you start coughing, wheezing or feeling tight-chested, and use your reliever as your plan says.
- Call 995 if symptoms are severe or do not improve with your reliever.
Lessons for children and adults with asthma
When you enquire, tell us about the asthma, triggers and medication so the instructor can plan accordingly. Children can join our kids swimming course, and adults our adult swimming course. If you would like a slower pace, private lessons let the instructor adjust each session. See also our water safety tips and facts about swimming as aerobic exercise.
More in health and wellbeing
- Does swimming help you lose weight?An honest answer, and how to get the most from your swims
- 10 swimming workouts for weight lossSteady swims, intervals and kick sets for a weekly plan
- 7 reasons swimming is good for recoveryLow impact, active recovery and rehabilitation
- Recovery swim workouts7 gentle routines for tired muscles
Sources
- Cochrane, Swimming training for asthma in children and adolescents aged 18 years and under. Swimming training is well tolerated in children and adolescents with stable asthma, and increases fitness and lung function; no adverse effects on asthma control were found.
- Singapore Civil Defence Force, Emergency Medical Services. Call 995 for emergencies such as breathlessness.
Looking for swimming lessons that suit asthma?
Tell us the swimmer's age, experience and anything the instructor should know, including asthma triggers and medication. We will suggest a suitable course, format and pool. Lessons run at public swimming complexes, private venues and condominium pools across Singapore.