Which of the following is a recommended exercise precaution for people with asthma?

• A. Take antihistamines to prevent allergies.
• B. Stop warm-up.
• C. Increase high-intensity training.
• D. Carry reliever inhaler.

Answer: (D)

Having a plan to manage asthma during exercise is essential. The key idea is that quick-access medication to relieve symptoms is the safest and most practical precaution for someone with asthma who is active. A reliever inhaler provides fast bronchodilation, relaxing the airway muscles within minutes and preventing or alleviating exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Keeping it on hand means activity can continue safely or be adjusted promptly if symptoms start, under a clinician’s guidance on when to use it and how often.

Other options aren’t as protective. Antihistamines target allergic reactions but don’t address acute bronchoconstriction during exercise and aren’t a primary preventive measure for exercise-induced asthma. Stopping a warm-up is actually discouraged; a gradual warm-up helps prepare the airways and can reduce the likelihood of symptoms. Increasing high-intensity training tends to provoke symptoms rather than prevent them, making it an inappropriate precaution for someone with asthma.