Anyone with asthma?

hbratset

Hi, I am 44 and have asthma. It has gotten worse over the last few years. If I catch a cold, it immediately goes to my chest and I get bronchitis or pneumonia. I walk a lot, I live in Norway in a beautiful valley next to a fjord and tall mountains all around. It's a great place to walk. My problem is, every time I feel like I am building stamina, getting better at walking up all of these hills (I am really slow because of my breathing)) faster and keeping up, I get sick, am down for the count, have a hacking cough for a month, and my stamina is back down and feel like I am starting over. I ask my dr. and he just says to keep walking (which I do), but I want to do some of the tougher hikes around here and not feel like I am holding my friends or family back. How can I build up my lung capacity? What do you guys with asthma do? I want to be in good shape!

kramrn77

I usually use an inhaler prior to doing anything strenuous- albuterol hfa. This generally prevents an attack during exercise and I am able to push myself more. Swimming is supposed to be good for lung capacity as well.

LKArgh

You need to talk to a specialist, you should have a plan for when you get ill, so the cold does not progress to bronchitis. It looks like your asthma is not controlled if this keeps happening.

hbratset

Thanks, yes, maybe it is time to switch dr's. I use a corticosteroid inhaler 2x per day, and albuterol as needed. It does help when I use the albuterol right before I go. I just get so damn out of breath! Not even like I'm having an asthma attack, though I do get wheezy, but not super serious. It just seems that I have the lung capacity of a 90 year old lady compared to my husband and the people that I hike with. Maybe it's not even the asthma, maybe it is a training issue. Swimming is a great idea actually! Thanks guys.

chrysalis2015

I have asthma but it's more allergy induced. That does include dust, though, so when those heaters kick in...*yikes* So especially if I know I'm doing something taxing I take a couple of puffs about 5 minutes before starting of my albuterol. Also I warm up GRADUALLY before doing anything aerobic to give my body a chance to adjust.

I live in Buffalo...so winters here are brutal. Take care of your lungs by covering your mouth when you leave the gym with a scarf or something so the shock of the really cold air isn't as great...I've found this has helped to cut down on the attacks and on the incidence of bronchitis. YMMV, but it works for me

LKArgh

hbratset wrote: »

Thanks, yes, maybe it is time to switch dr's. I use a corticosteroid inhaler 2x per day, and albuterol as needed. It does help when I use the albuterol right before I go. I just get so damn out of breath! Not even like I'm having an asthma attack, though I do get wheezy, but not super serious. It just seems that I have the lung capacity of a 90 year old lady compared to my husband and the people that I hike with. Maybe it's not even the asthma, maybe it is a training issue. Swimming is a great idea actually! Thanks guys.

Maybe you need a different inhaler, or to add oral meds? Getting wheezy is not normal, your asthma is really out of control if this is happening. It does not sound at all like a matter of training.

SwimmyD

Agree with those who say get a referral for another doctor. I'd say go for a specialist - either an allergist (if you have allergies) or a respirologist. Normal everyday wheezing is not a good sign - this is not about your fitness level. You may need a different set of meds. I had the same problem a few years ago and finally saw an allergist who completely changed up my medication. I'm fine now and can exercise with no restrictions (more likely my joints say stop than my lungs). Good luck.

hbratset

SwimmyD wrote: »

Agree with those who say get a referral for another doctor. I'd say go for a specialist - either an allergist (if you have allergies) or a respirologist. Normal everyday wheezing is not a good sign - this is not about your fitness level. You may need a different set of meds. I had the same problem a few years ago and finally saw an allergist who completely changed up my medication. I'm fine now and can exercise with no restrictions (more likely my joints say stop than my lungs). Good luck.

That is great! Thank you.

SwimmyD

No problem! Good luck!

mscljeffries

I have had asthma since birth, climate doesn't make a difference, as I currently live in the desert. I didn't find out until I was 33, but using the Albuterol inhaler right before exercise prevents an attack during exercise. If your chest gets tight during, take another hit. I have liquid Albuterol for when I feel bronchitis coming on. I use that sparingly, as it makes me very jumpy. I climb mountains for fun, so using the inhaler prior to exercise is a must. I see so many people using Asthma as an excuse not to exercise. I'm glad to see you are looking for a way to keep moving, not a reason to give up.

CallistoQuinn

I agree with everyone that you should see another doctor and maybe switch your meds. I haven't had bronchitis since I started asthma treatment more than 5 years ago.