How to Safely Exercise Outdoors With Asthma

Exercising outdoors, often called Green Exercise, reduces stress, elevates your mood, and helps you get vitamin D. However, when you have asthma, outdoor activity in Memphis and the Mid-South is challenging.

In fact, thanks to the high humidity and legendary pollen counts, Memphis was ranked the 5th most challenging city in the U.S. for people with seasonal allergies and allergic asthma in a recent report.

At Honeycomb Medical Group, our providers can help you manage your respiratory health while still enjoying our great outdoors.

Here’s what the experts at Honeycomb Medical Group want you to know.

Why the Mid-South is tough for asthma patients

The "Mid-South funnel" often traps allergens and pollutants, leading to:

• High pollen counts: The abundance of oak, hickory, and ragweed can trigger seasonal "allergic asthma."
• Humidity: Thick, humid air is harder to inhale and promotes the growth of dust mites and mold, two primary asthma triggers.
• Extreme temperature swings: Rapid shifts from warm afternoons to chilly evenings can cause airway constriction.

Controlling your asthma

The team at Honeycomb Medical Group offers the following tips to help keep your asthma symptoms at bay.

Know your zones

Your Honeycomb provider works with you to create a written asthma action plan. This categorizes your symptoms into three zones:

• Green (Doing Well): No symptoms; take daily controller medications.
• Yellow (Caution): Coughing or wheezing; use your rescue inhaler as prescribed.
• Red (Danger): Severe shortness of breath; seek immediate medical attention.

Shower after being outdoors

Pollen clings to hair and clothing. If you’ve been outside, shower and change your clothes as soon as you get home to prevent allergens from tracking into your bedding.

Monitor the air quality index

Check the local Memphis air quality reports daily. On "Code Orange" or "Code Red" days, exercise only in a climate-controlled indoor environment.

Manage thunderstorm asthma

The Mid-South is prone to heavy storms. High winds during a thunderstorm can shatter pollen grains into tiny particles that are easily inhaled deep into the lungs. If a storm is rolling in, stay indoors with the windows closed.

Optimize your home environment

• Dehumidify: Keep indoor humidity below 50% to reduce dust mite activity.
• Filter: Use HEPA air filters in your bedroom.
• Wash Hot: Wash linens weekly in water at least 130°F to kill allergens.

Partner with Honeycomb Medical Group

At Honeycomb Medical Group, we provide personalized care. Whether you need an initial diagnosis, a medication adjustment, or a long-term management strategy, we are here to help you breathe easy.

Contact any of our Honeycomb Medical Group offices today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers.