Despite popular belief, sport is beneficial for people with asthma.

In the program "Sans Rendez-vous", pulmonologist Chantal Rahérisson discusses the benefits of regular physical activity for patients with this pathology.

It is a misconception rooted in the minds of many people: it is not recommended for asthmatics to play sports.

However, pulmonologist Chantal Rahérisson assures him, "when asthmatics practice regular physical activity, they are less embarrassed to breathe and have fewer attacks".

Guest of Sans Rendez-vous on Europe 1, the one who is also president of the French-language pneumology society explains why it is important to play sports even with pulmonary fragility, and how to proceed. 

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"Re-educate" the respiratory muscles

"Having regular physical activity is important," insists the pulmonologist at Bordeaux University Hospital.

"When you have asthma, you will tend to do less and less, to limit your efforts. But by doing so, the respiratory muscles (diaphragm, intercostal muscles ...) will tend to atrophy. "

To avoid the phenomenon, the solution is to (re) engage in sport in order to be able to "re-educate" these muscles, and therefore strengthen them. 

And according to the specialist, the results of physical activity are clear: "asthma is better, just like the patient."

Because with sport, an asthmatic will learn "to breathe correctly, which many people do not know how to do, and to control breathing during exertion".

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Almost all sports are possible

As for knowing which sport can practice an asthmatic person, the specialist wants to be reassuring: "apart from the scuba diving, asthma is not any more as such a contraindication."

Tennis, martial arts, football, basketball, bodybuilding ... (almost) anything is possible.

"I believe that the stake today is that each asthmatic carries out the physical activity which gives him pleasure", summarizes Chantal Rahérisson at the microphone of Europe 1.

Moreover, champions are asthmatics.

This is particularly the case of Thomas Busser, vice-champion of France cadet rowing in 2004.

A basic treatment necessary

However, an asthmatic should not engage in a sport blindly.

"A patient must have an action plan with a basic treatment to reduce the inflammation in his bronchi and allow him to do his physical activity properly," warns the pulmonologist.

A consultation with a specialist is therefore necessary before taking a good sweat.

In some cases, sport can also be medically prescribed and adapted to the severity of the patient's asthma.

It is also possible to be accompanied by a professional. 

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While asthma affects four million French people, including many children, Chantal Rahérisson also insists on the importance of medical and sports care as soon as possible.

A process which can lead young patients "to be able to recover a normal respiratory situation and, ultimately, not forbid themselves".