Anyone who has rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis, adenoids or any other similar respiratory problem has certainly heard thousands of times the advice that they need to do physical activity to get rid of (or at least minimize) these attacks. Especially swimming, which increases inspiratory and expiratory volumes – and therefore, in theory, would help to reduce the impact and recurrence of the symptoms caused.
But is it really?
According to Dr. Cristiane Passos Dias Levy, otorhinolaryngologist at Hospital Paulista and specialist in respiratory allergies, swimming, like all physical activity, is a great way to prevent these problems. However, there are several aspects to be analyzed before making any decision in this regard.
“Whether swimming, running, dancing, football, or even walking, yoga, they are all exercises that help strengthen the respiratory muscles, increasing their capacity and efficiency. However, regular practice of these activities needs to be adapted to each person’s physical conditions. In other words, it requires, first of all, a medical evaluation”, ponders the specialist.
Swimming
In the case of swimming, specifically, she explains that people with allergic rhinitis or adenoids may have problems with the chlorine present in most pools. “It is important to check with a doctor whether swimming is appropriate, as in pools treated with chlorine, symptoms will worsen. Furthermore, there is an association between allergic rhinitis and adenoid hypertrophy. Allergic rhinitis can contribute to adenoid hypertrophy due to chronic inflammation of the upper airways, leading to increased adenoid size. Likewise, adenoid hypertrophy can worsen the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, creating a cycle of inflammation and symptoms in the upper airways”, explains the doctor.
Still, for those who do not give up this activity, Dr. Cristiane Passos highlights that there are options to avoid contact with chlorine. “In the case of swimming, there are pools treated with saline water or even ozone, which can certainly be a solution for those with rhinitis or adenoids, but as long as it is recommended by a doctor.”
Heavy workouts
For fans of bodybuilding, crossfit, athletics and other, let’s say ‘heavier’ activities, the doctor at Hospital Paulista issues a warning to those who breathe mouth. “For people with turbinate hypertrophy, it is advisable to avoid strenuous physical activities due to difficulty in adequate (nasal) breathing, such as intense exercise or vigorous aerobics. Furthermore, activities in environments with polluted or very dry air are also less recommended, as they can irritate the upper airways.”
The most recommended
Currently, according to Dr. Cristiane, ENT doctors usually recommend low-impact physical activities, such as walking, yoga and cycling. “Especially in the case of allergic rhinitis, it is advisable to opt for physical activities that are less likely to trigger symptoms: stretching, yoga and dancing, and Pilates may be more suitable, as they generally have less exposure to airborne allergens and irritants such as chlorine and pollution in general”.
Similar advice applies to people with physical activity restrictions but who have breathing problems. “It is also recommended to focus on light activities that help improve lung capacity and respiratory function, such as breathing exercises, gentle stretching, short walks and adapted yoga. These activities can help strengthen respiratory muscles and improve breathing efficiency.”