Asthma and Exercise in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Exercise is an important part of staying healthy, especially in a city like Grand Rapids where people enjoy biking trails, walking along the Grand River, and participating in school and community sports. If you have asthma, you can and should still be active—with the right management plan.

This guide explains asthma and exercise (also called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction) with a focus on Grand Rapids, MI, and how to stay safe and active year-round.

What Is Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)?

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) happens when physical activity causes the muscles around your airways to tighten, making it harder to breathe. It used to be called “exercise-induced asthma.”

EIB is common and affects:

  • An estimated 18–26% of school-aged children
  • Up to 90% of people with diagnosed asthma
  • Up to 50% of competitive athletes

EIB is usually manageable and should be part of your asthma action plan.

In Grand Rapids, cold, dry winter air and sudden temperature changes—such as going from a warm indoor gym to a cold outdoor field—can increase the risk of EIB.

Can People with Asthma Exercise?

Yes. Most people with asthma in Grand Rapids can safely participate in almost any sport or exercise if their asthma is well controlled.

Regular physical activity:

  • Improves overall health and fitness
  • Strengthens your heart and lungs
  • Supports a healthy weight
  • Can improve mood and reduce stress

You should generally be able to exercise as often as you wish, as long as your asthma is controlled and you follow your treatment plan.

If you regularly have asthma symptoms during or after exercise, schedule an appointment with:

  • Your primary care provider (for example, at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health)
  • A pulmonologist or asthma/allergy specialist in the Grand Rapids area

Why Does Exercise Trigger Asthma Symptoms?

When you are resting, you usually breathe through your nose, which helps:

  • Warm the air
  • Add moisture
  • Filter out particles

During exercise, you tend to breathe more through your mouth, especially when working hard. This can:

  • Allow cold, dry air (common in West Michigan winters) to reach your lungs
  • Irritate and dry out the airways
  • Cause the muscles around your airways to tighten

This tightening can lead to an asthma flare-up or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Common Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction

Some shortness of breath during vigorous activity is normal and usually goes away when you stop. However, you may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction if:

  • Your symptoms do not improve with rest
  • Your symptoms peak soon after you stop exercising
  • Symptoms start a few minutes into exercise and worsen

Symptoms of EIB can include:

  • Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling of a tight or heavy chest
  • Dry or persistent cough during or after exercise
  • Unusual fatigue or inability to keep up with others

If you notice these symptoms during physical activity or exercise, consult your doctor for further advice and possible adjustment of your asthma management plan.

Sports and Activities: What’s Safe?

Most people with asthma in Grand Rapids can safely participate in:

  • Walking, jogging, and running (indoor tracks or outdoors on local trails)
  • Biking along Grand Rapids paths and parks
  • Swimming in indoor pools
  • Basketball, soccer, volleyball, and other school sports
  • Strength training and fitness classes
  • Yoga and low-impact exercise

Scuba diving is the one sport that is usually not recommended for people with asthma because of the pressure changes and risk if an asthma attack occurs underwater. If you are considering scuba diving, you should discuss it in detail with a respiratory specialist.

How to Prevent Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction

1. Make Sure Your Asthma Is Well Managed

Good day-to-day asthma control makes EIB less likely. Work with your Grand Rapids healthcare provider to:

  • Review your asthma action plan
  • Take your preventer (controller) medication exactly as prescribed
  • Check that your inhaler technique is correct (your pharmacist can help)
  • Use a spacer device with your inhaler if recommended

If you do not have an updated asthma action plan, ask your doctor at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or your local clinic to create one with you.

2. Warm Up Before Exercise

A proper warm-up can reduce the chance of EIB.

  • Start with 5–10 minutes of light activity (walking, light jogging, gentle stretching)
  • Gradually build up intensity rather than starting suddenly
  • In cold Grand Rapids weather, try warming up indoors first, then go outside

3. Monitor Symptoms During Exercise

While you are active:

  • Pay attention to your breathing
  • Watch for wheeze, cough, chest tightness, or unusual shortness of breath

If asthma symptoms appear:

  1. Stop the activity.
  2. Take your quick-relief (reliever) inhaler as directed in your asthma action plan.
  3. Wait until your symptoms are fully relieved before considering a return to exercise.

Important:

  • Only return to exercise if your asthma symptoms have completely resolved.
  • If asthma symptoms return a second time during the same exercise session:
    • Stop the activity
    • Take your reliever medication again as directed
    • Do not return to the activity that day
    • Follow your asthma action plan and seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve

4. Cool Down After Exercise

After exercise:

  • Cool down with 5–10 minutes of light activity (slow walking, gentle stretching)
  • This helps your breathing and heart rate return to normal gradually

5. Watch for Symptoms After Exercise

Asthma symptoms can occur up to 30 minutes after exercise, and sometimes even later.

If you develop symptoms after you finish:

  • Follow your asthma action plan
  • Take your reliever medication if you have symptoms
  • Rest until symptoms are fully relieved
  • Seek urgent care or call 911 if you have severe trouble breathing or your symptoms are not improving

Tips for Exercising with Asthma in Grand Rapids, MI

Because Grand Rapids experiences cold winters, humid summers, and changing pollen seasons, it helps to plan ahead:

  • In winter, consider indoor exercise (gyms, school gyms, indoor tracks, or community centers)
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or mask when exercising outdoors in cold air
  • Check air quality and pollen counts—especially in spring and fall—if your asthma is triggered by allergies
  • Stay hydrated, especially in warm, humid weather
  • Avoid exercising outdoors near heavy traffic or on days with poor air quality

Always Carry Your Reliever Medication

To help prevent or manage exercise-induced bronchoconstriction:

  • Always carry your quick-relief inhaler when you exercise
  • Use it before exercise if recommended in your asthma action plan
  • Make sure friends, coaches, and teammates know:
    • That you have asthma
    • Where your inhaler is
    • What to do if you have symptoms

If written in your asthma action plan, you may be advised to use your reliever inhaler shortly before vigorous activity. Follow your provider’s specific instructions.

Learn Asthma First Aid

If you or your child has asthma and participates in sports in the Grand Rapids area, it’s helpful for:

  • Parents
  • Coaches
  • Teachers
  • Teammates

to understand basic asthma first aid, including:

  • Recognizing early warning signs (cough, wheeze, chest tightness, difficulty speaking)
  • Knowing how to help someone use their inhaler or spacer
  • When to call 911 for emergency help

Ask your healthcare provider or local resources like the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health about asthma education programs.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you have asthma symptoms during or after exercise, or if your current plan is not working, seek medical advice from:

  • Your primary care doctor or pediatrician
  • Pulmonologists and allergists in the Grand Rapids area
  • Urgent care clinics if symptoms are worsening
  • Emergency departments at local hospitals for severe symptoms

Local healthcare systems include:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) – multiple locations across Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health clinics and partners

You can also contact:

  • Kent County Health Department for community health resources and education
  • Local pharmacists for inhaler technique review and medication questions

Key Points About Asthma and Exercise in Grand Rapids

  • If you regularly experience asthma symptoms during exercise, consult your doctor or respiratory specialist in Grand Rapids.
  • Mild shortness of breath with intense activity can be normal, but wheeze, chest tightness, or cough that doesn’t resolve with rest may indicate exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
  • People with asthma should be able to participate in almost any sport or exercise with good asthma control.
  • Scuba diving is the only sport generally not recommended for most people with asthma.
  • Always:
    • Carry your reliever inhaler
    • Warm up before exercise
    • Cool down afterward
    • Watch for symptoms during and after activity and follow your asthma action plan

With the right management and support from Grand Rapids healthcare providers, most people with asthma can stay active, enjoy sports, and safely exercise year-round.