Regular physical activity can be an important ally in controlling allergic diseases. Exercise done with guidance and consistently stimulate the immune system, strengthen the muscles involved in breathing, and contribute to the overall well-being of the body.
For people with chronic allergies such as rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis, keeping the body moving can help reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures, and improve response to medical treatment. One of the main benefits of physical activity lies in strengthening thoracic and diaphragmatic muscles, which improves pulmonary ventilation and facilitates breathing – something essential for those suffering from respiratory allergies.
“A atividade física relaxa e promove o bem-estar, aumenta a capacidade de resistência, estimula o sistema imunológico e fortalece os músculos respiratórios. Assim, na asma facilita a inspiração e a expiração profunda; na rinite aumenta a resistência além de exigir uma respiração adequada e na urticária, ao causar relaxamento e promover o bem-estar pode melhorar o controle da doença”, explica Sergio Duarte Dortas Junior, especialista em Alergia e Immunology.
Different mechanisms are triggered by the exercises
The practice of aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming or bicycle, for example, increases pulmonary capacity and favors the oxygenation of the body, making the lungs more efficient. This can result in less, common in people with asthma.
“Exercise increases ventilatory capacity and improves cardiorespiratory conditioning, which helps reduce dyspnea and bronchospasm. Exercise regulates the release of proinflammatory cytokines, promoting a more anti-inflammatory profile. This can reduce the chronic inflammatory response of airway and asthma. Adaptive and reducing infectious episodes that can trigger or worsen allergic crises, ”explains Fatima Rodrigues Fernandes, president of ASBAI – Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology.
In addition, physical activity has a positive effect on the immune system. By stimulating blood circulation, the exercises favor the transport of defense cells by the body, which can help in response to the body to allergen agents.
Although exercise does not replace conventional treatments, it acts as a complement, improving the quality of life and reducing the use of medicines in some cases.
Another important aspect is the impact of physical activity on mental health. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, substances that cause sense of pleasure and relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. This effect is important for stressful situations to trigger or aggravate your symptoms. Therefore, maintaining a routine that includes moments of exercise also contributes to the emotional balance and control of crises.
Regularity is the key!
However, for the benefits to be perceived, it is important that physical activity is done regularly for at least one hour a day, respecting the limits of the body. In some cases, adjustments in the environment – such as avoiding places with dust, pollution or excess moisture – are necessary to ensure that exercise is safe for allergic people.
“Physical activity on low temperatures and relative humidity of the reduced air may favor serious allergic changes. Exercise -induced bronchospasm is a good example to understand that the asthma patient, for example, should prioritize the wetter environment and a comfortable temperature during their physical activity, to minimize possible crises during the activity. Adds Guilherme Azizi, allergist and immunologist.
