The need for organized and systematic approach towards implementation of exercise programs for people with asthma is growing with the growing incidence of asthma. It is estimated that currently around 300 million people in the world have asthma.

Our work is evidence based, taking into account scientific achievements from medicine, sport science, chemistry, pharmacology, psychology and other related research fields tackling asthma.

In addition, the precautionary principle is stating that in cases of serious or irreversible threats to the health of the humans or ecosystems, acknowledged scientific uncertainty should not be used as a reason to postpone preventive measures. With this in mind our work is also experience based, taking the best approaches out of the people’s practices and lifestyles in order to built upon the trust that asthma can be successfully controlled.

And finally, asthma is related as breathing disorder. Breathing has a deep phenomenological meaning, and can be explored by non-scientific methods such as meditation, and yoga. Beside the scientific proofs on the positive impact of these methods on asthma, we leave the door open for spiritual dimensions of human beings and for the wisdom that body carries within and protects it from necessary scientific reductionism of life.

There are numerous reasons and arguments supporting our efforts in Asthma and Sport Organization. A brief classification of argumentation is followed by short explanation and justification:

1. Ethical reasons

   • asthma is causing personal troubles, lowering individuals welfare and occasionally exposing a patient under life-threatening bronchoconstriction;
   • there is substantial knowledge of treating asthma successfully from various points of view and with various methods;
   • children need special care since healthy lifestyle and disease control in childhood determines quality of health throughout the lifespan;
   • it is estimated that more than 75% of people with asthma suffer from exercise-induced symptoms;
   • asthma is to a large extent connected to environmental pollution.

2. Economic reasons

   • asthma is among leading causes of hospitalization of children worldwide; in Netherland was estimated that the annual cost per patient in asthma was 499 €, and is expected to increase by 60% in the near future;
   • direct costs of asthma in western Europe society are estimated to 6.430 billion €, and indirect costs to 13.905 billion €;
   • school and work absenteeism is a huge indirect cost of non-controlled asthma;
   • regardless of high costs of treatment, avoiding treating asthma is even more expensive;
   • the costs of preventive measures are always good investment in the long run;
   • many people with asthma avoid regular physical activity and sport; therefore they are more prone to develop obesity, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure which effects the public health system immensely.

3. Health reasons

   • decrease in symptoms as a result of increased tolerance to physical exertion and proper exercise protocol;
   • increased strength and endurance of (co-)breathing muscles;
   • reduction of the fear from exercise-induced asthma and stress related breathing disorders;
   • to enable social inclusion and fun;
   • increased self-confidence and sophisticated sensitivity to physical feelings;
   • increase of overall fitness and specific motor abilities e.g. endurance, flexibility, coordination;
   • increased self-awareness through breathing exercises;
   • improved overall quality of life.