Is there a cure to Asthma by swimming?

Question
Hi,
I have a lot of breathing problem. I was advised by doctors to go for swimming to get out of Asthamatic problem. Is it true?

Answer
Hi NR...

You have come to the right place as I am a chronic asthmatic.  I have had a moderate level of asthma my entire life along with other allergic ailments.

To answer your question, I do not believe this to be true.  I do believe that swimming helps strengthen our lungs and help us adjust to the asthma better however I do not think by any means that it cures it.  I think that Doctors misprescribe that as cure-all when they mean to say that a) any excercise that won't kill you or be too overbearing on you is better than sitting around in a dusty room is better for asthmatics and... b) doing swimming is typically better than doing other sports because you are not as exposed to as many allergens like weeds, pollon, dust etc.

In Conclusion, I think it is a great idea as an asthmatic for you to start swimming however do not give up on other forms of treatment as swimming really doesn't cure the disease.

Thanks,

LM