To mark Asthma Awareness Week, we are calling on people across the country to reclaim their health and confidence through movement, and get Active for Asthma!
“Asthma can be unpredictable and, at times, frightening — we hear that all the time from the people who contact us,” said Eilís Ní Chaithnía, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland. “But with the right support, asthma doesn’t have to control your life. Our Active for Asthma campaign is here to shift the narrative — to show that exercise isn’t off-limits. In fact, it can be part of the solution. We want people to feel confident, informed, and supported to move their bodies safely – to embrace the benefits of physical activity.”
New findings from a survey conducted amongst 500 people with asthma in April 2025 show the scale of the issue:
- 43% of people living with asthma say fear of triggering symptoms is a significant barrier to exercise
- 41% said they’ve reduced physical activity over time due to their asthma
- 20% frequently stop exercising due to symptoms
- 8% have stopped exercising altogether because of their asthma
“These figures are worrying but not surprising,” Ní Chaithnía continued. “For too long, there has been a misconception that asthma and physical activity don’t mix. And if you’ve ever been left gasping for breath – or even hospitalised – from exercise, it’s only natural to fear doing it again. But the evidence is clear: regular movement, done safely, strengthens your lungs, reduces inflammation, and can alleviate the mental toll of having a chronic disease.”
“That’s why we’ve introduced a new, free service on our Adviceline, connecting people with a Senior Physiotherapist who can provide personalised guidance on staying active with asthma. We’re here to support every step of the way.”
Supporting the campaign is Olympian and asthma ambassador Derval O’Rourke, who has lived with asthma throughout her sporting career.
“I know what it’s like to second-guess yourself before training,” O’Rourke said. “But I also know that staying active has helped me manage my asthma, not worsen it. This campaign is about empowering people – whether you’re walking around the block or aiming for a marathon, the support is there.”
Everyone who signs up for Active for Asthma receives a free 30-minute consultation with a physiotherapist and access to practical resources, including:
- Breathing techniques to manage symptoms and anxiety
- Medication advice for active lifestyles
- Guidance for returning to activity after a flare-up
“Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in Ireland, yet it’s often misunderstood,” said Professor Patrick Mitchell, Respiratory Consultant at Tallaght University Hospital and Trinity College Dublin. “People with asthma should be able to participate fully in exercise – even competitive sport – with proper management. If symptoms appear during or after exercise, it may be a sign that the asthma is not well controlled, not that activity should be avoided.”
“We know that regular activity, done safely, can actually reduce symptoms and improve lung function. That’s why the right education, support and treatment are so important.”
Ireland has one of the highest asthma rates in the world, affecting 1 in 10 people — around 450,000 individuals — with a lifetime prevalence of 1 in 5. Yet too many remain unsure where to turn for guidance.
“Knowledge changes lives,” said Ní Chaithnía. “One call to our Adviceline can help someone go from fearing a walk to training for a race. We’ve seen it time and again. That’s why we’re asking people to pick up the phone, take the first step, and use this campaign as a turning point.”
We are also urging people to take on a physical fundraising challenge in 2025 to support vital services and raise awareness.
“My wife and children have asthma, so I’ve seen firsthand how important support like this is,” said Aodhan Boyle, who is running both the Berlin and Dublin Marathons in the space of five weeks this September and October to raise funds. “This campaign is not just about getting active — it’s about giving back so others can breathe easier too.”
Photos by Andres Poveda
