Asthma and Anxiety and Stress

laconnors

Hi everyone. I'm back on MyFitnessPal for a second (or third) time.

Just was diagnosed with Asthma about 5 months ago; it's made working out very difficult at times and some of the mediciation (both asthma and non-asthma) that I'm on has caused me to a) gain weight, b) increase my blood sugar and c) increase my cholesterol. So, I'm doing my best to work out and be better at tracking my food and hoping to correct the weight gain, blood sugar issues and cholesterol issues.

Also, due to the amxiety, sometimes (especially after an asthma attack) cardio, even the thought of it, can cause me to have a panic attack. Stress is one of my biggest triggers, so I definitely need to find ways to reduce it or ride through it,

My goal is to lose weight, get healthier (in general) and to feel better about myself and get my asthma and anxiety under control. As well as reducing stress or figuring out a way to deal with it better. Any suggestions?

PatsyFitzpatrick

Hi you can do this. Take it hour by hour , moment by moment. Both Asthma and Anxiety suck but you will feel better. For me when I am in one of the above moments I listen to music or youtube has really great women motivational speakers for free. Do not be alone with your own stinkin thinkin. If cardio is to much just stay busy. Dance in your own home to music you love or yes clean out the car or a dresser. You must manage this the best way you can. DO not get caught up in the diagnosis of omg I am ....... Everyone has something to overcome or improve. I am in no way NOT recognizing this medical diagnosis but find the peace.

Eat well get the number of hours you need to feel rested. Avoid the over counter meds unless you let your MD know if you are on Rx meds. Good times are in front of you.

God Bless you and I hope you feel well soon.
Patsy
Lutz Fl

KatieLK14

I'm right with you on this. Asthma sucks. It's a pain in the butt (well...lungs). Working out may be difficult because of it, but ultimately exercise will make your asthma so much better. Running can be hard for me, but when I run consistently then I find my lungs functioning better overall.
Anxiety is also a pain. I know how it feels to be anxious all the time, but again I've found that exercising helps my anxiety immensely.
Stick with it, breathe deep, take it one day at a time!

aliu00

have you tried some natural remedy for your asthma,stress? I knew people use isotonix opc-3 for asthma and control it. Also some nature supplements for stress.

nancybuss

Welcome back! One day at a time. I don't have asthma, but I understand Anxiety and stress

r3adm3

I've found that swimming helps with my asthma during the summer months when I struggle with my hayfever. Anecdotely found a couple of articles that suggested that the moist atmosphere of the swimming pool helped open up the lungs a bit more.

Once I get back to normal I'll return to gymming and running.

Might be worth a try?

oedipa_maas

have you tried some natural remedy for your asthma,stress? I knew people use isotonix opc-3 for asthma and control it. Also some nature supplements for stress.

OP, do NOT treat asthma with "natural remedies." I'm sure you won't, it sounds like you are doing the best you can for yourself, it's just this advice (as far as the asthma is concerned) is very dangerous. You can die from asthma; stick to meds.

Anyway, I feel for you. I've had severe asthma for 35 years and physical activity has been extremely difficult at times, even with my meds. Another poster was right though--interestingly, asthma can improve with aerobic exercise, over time. I think you need to pace yourself, make sure to use your rescue inhaler *before* you exercise (and during as needed), and build up slowly. I've done 5Ks and a triathlon with asthma and there are lots of people out there with the disease that lead an active life. Don't let frustration get you down...you can do it!

I know a lot about anxiety too, but I'm sure many here will give you great ideas. I just wanted to jump in re the asthma.

Timshel_

Meditation and understanding what triggers the anxiety to help control the panic is a great way to start. I am still working on it myself, but I am learning that the chemical reactions in my body can be overcome and managed.

I also have lighter asthma. but I am blessed that doesn't effect me too often.

All the best.

gelendestrasse

I guess I would start with something you enjoy that's low stress both mentally and aerobically. Do you ride a bicycle? Take long walks? Swim? Long and easy and (maybe) indoors is better than trying to cram in a huge workout in 20 minutes. Slow and steady is the way to beat the asthma. And have your rescue inhaler with you. That works for me.

I also found out when I lost enough weight to reduce the CPAP usage I somehow lost the asthma. And the blood sugar and most of the cholesterol. Just stick with it and if you want to talk to somebody who's been there friend me.

pandabear_

Talk to your doctor really, it sounds kind of dangerous and it's affecting your mood/health and you're having panic attacks, that doesn't sound like normal anxiety. They can treat that.

Maybe they can give you something for anxiety or suggest some therapy, etc. or get you in touch with a support group or leaflets/website of people who know how to handle asthma and exercise. Stuff like this.

shutch2112

OP, I have anxiety and residual childhood asthma that is allergy/exercise-induced, so I have a boatload of sympathy.

I have been taking a mild anti-anxiety/depression at the smallest dose, which has significantly reduced my anxiety attacks, but I don't take medication for my asthma because it is more of an annoyance at this point than a threat. When I was younger it was much worse... Anyway, I understand the feedback loop of panic and asthma very well. I've found the best thing that helps for exercise is repetition. For example, I walk dogs along a trail once a week for a local shelter, and at first the trail would whip my butt; I'd be red faced and wheezy after the first dog. But now that I've been doing it long enough, my body has adjusted and I have a great time.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

EmmiDahling

If your asthma is causing impairment in maor life activities (and interfering with exercise) it is not well controlled and you need to see your doctor to reevaluate your meds. If you're not seeing an asthma specialist, start immediately.

Additionally, if you are having panic attacks you need to see a doctor for that as well. I recommend a psychiatrist and probably also a good counselor to help you work through what is causing you stress. Those are medical issues that need to be dealt with in conjunction with professionals.

MinnieInMaine

I don't have any experience with clinical anxiety but a friend of mine does and she finds yoga very calming. While it's not a huge calorie burn, there are multiple health benefits. It's also something you can do in the privacy of your own home.

This is just armchair psychology but I also agree that finding things you enjoy doing may help to ease your stress as well. Could be that you're looking at exercise as something you "have to do!" so there's pressure and it's making you anxious. But if you're just cranking the music and dancing around or going for a walk around the neighborhood, that's fun! Think about things you enjoy doing and how you could make that part of your daily routine to burn some extra calories and improve your health. Look around online for videos - there are a ton out there.

Good luck!

MeganAnne89

Talk to your doctor really, it sounds kind of dangerous and it's affecting your mood/health and you're having panic attacks, that doesn't sound like normal anxiety. They can treat that.

Maybe they can give you something for anxiety or suggest some therapy, etc. or get you in touch with a support group or leaflets/website of people who know how to handle asthma and exercise. Stuff like this.

I do just want to mention that anxiety and panic attacks are two sides of the same coin. It's all related. Hell, anxiety and depression are even often treated with exactly the same medication. So if you suffer from anxiety, getting panic attacks is completely normal.

I don't get panic attacks, but I get anxiety attacks. For me it's a bit strange because I won't suffer from them during a stressful situation but then I'll be sitting down at a restaurant or I'll be at work or on the bus when nothing is happening to me and suddenly it hits me. It's awful and I never know what's causing it. However, I saw a psychologist last year and I'm actually seeing another today for the first time in over a year and I find that talking about things that bother/worry me is what makes my anxiety much more manageable. Because I can't seem to pinpoint what it is that's bothering me, I need to sort out everything that it could be before I get some relief from it.

And I also have asthma and before when I first started exercising more regularly, as an above poster mentioned, I took my rescue inhaler before I exercised. That did sometimes make me a little bit anxious though because it would speed up my heart rate to get the oxygen flowing so it was a bit of a catch 22. But I always just had to remind myself that I was in a safe place and even though I didn't know these people at the gym, if I had an anxiety attack I know one of them would help me.

I also find that music helps me or if I was at the gym I'd focus on what was in the tv to take my mind off of my asthma and how it can make me anxious. And take it easy. Don't push yourself. Take it in steps and it'll come to you just fine.

That being said, talk to your doctor about possible treatment for your anxiety. Everyone is different and if what you require is medication, never be ashamed of that. And if you just need to see a psychologist or counselor like me, or even if you need both, that's great, because that's what will help you.

P.S. -- If you're not ready to see someone about your anxiety, on top of taking your asthma medication properly, I recommend a book called Mind over Mood by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky. It's a book that my doctor advised I read and it will help you deal with your anxiety on your own.

pandabear_

Talk to your doctor really, it sounds kind of dangerous and it's affecting your mood/health and you're having panic attacks, that doesn't sound like normal anxiety. They can treat that.

Maybe they can give you something for anxiety or suggest some therapy, etc. or get you in touch with a support group or leaflets/website of people who know how to handle asthma and exercise. Stuff like this.

I do just want to mention that anxiety and panic attacks are two sides of the same coin. It's all related. Hell, anxiety and depression are even often treated with exactly the same medication. So if you suffer from anxiety, getting panic attacks is completely normal.

I don't get panic attacks, but I get anxiety attacks.

Sorry, what I meant to say was it's not "normal" anxiety as in "Oh I can just do some yoga for 2 minutes, now I feel great!", that everyone might naturally feel before a nervous situation, I meant it sounds like something medically serious.

I also take anti-depressants to treat severe social anxiety, so I totally agree with what you said.

MeganAnne89

Talk to your doctor really, it sounds kind of dangerous and it's affecting your mood/health and you're having panic attacks, that doesn't sound like normal anxiety. They can treat that.

Maybe they can give you something for anxiety or suggest some therapy, etc. or get you in touch with a support group or leaflets/website of people who know how to handle asthma and exercise. Stuff like this.

I do just want to mention that anxiety and panic attacks are two sides of the same coin. It's all related. Hell, anxiety and depression are even often treated with exactly the same medication. So if you suffer from anxiety, getting panic attacks is completely normal.

I don't get panic attacks, but I get anxiety attacks.

Sorry, what I meant to say was it's not "normal" anxiety as in "Oh I can just do some yoga for 2 minutes, now I feel great!", that everyone might naturally feel before a nervous situation, I meant it sounds like something medically serious.

I also take anti-depressants to treat severe social anxiety, so I totally agree with what you said.

That's totally true. My anxiety has never been treated with any form of exercise so I'm jealous of the people who just meditate or do yoga and then they're totally fine.

Mine is absolutely all in my head and I know that and it's very frustrating that there is no easy fix, hence my psychologist appointments and my reading Mind over Mood.

Also, this is a side note but I'm jealous that your anxiety has a name lol I fit in zero of the anxiety categories, I just have some form of it that no one can quite describe.

feralkitten1010

I have asthma and anxiety too. I've learned that light cardio is actually very good at balancing all of the other triggers I have for my anxiety. I'm on Asmanex, and I started to gain weight after I was put on it which is ultimately why I hopped on MFP. If you watch your caloric intake, the medicine shouldn't make you gain weight. The hunger pangs that came with the meds will eventually ease up. Drink lots of water!

GiveMeCoffee

Work with your pulmonologist on the best way for you to work with your asthma and get it under control. I am a severe asthmatic but have finally gotten in controlled in the past year.

For me to exercise in the beginning I had to do a nebulizer treatment 15 minutes before, ride my bike for 5 minutes and do another. With slowly increasing the duration each time, now I do a treatment before and can ride for 2-3 hours without a problem, but that has taken me 18 months to get there and under the careful eye of my specialist.

Also, learning when it's not a good idea to be outside and listening to my body. If my breathing is already labored, not a good idea to go for a run in the heat. But, on a good day first thing in the morning I can go out and do a few miles. Again, took time to build up my endurance, finding the right med combination, and lots and lots of patience.

And do NOT listen to the advice of natural remedies for asthma, get with your specialist if you don't have one, I would work on getting one, and then work with them to come up with the safest plan for you.

MeganAnne89

I've found that swimming helps with my asthma during the summer months when I struggle with my hayfever. Anecdotely found a couple of articles that suggested that the moist atmosphere of the swimming pool helped open up the lungs a bit more.

Once I get back to normal I'll return to gymming and running.

Might be worth a try?

I just noticed this comment and swimming could actually be beneficial. Most asthmatics work better in a humid climate, hence why a swimming pool could be an option for your lungs.

balanceandnirvana

You can do this! I don't have asthma but I really thought I did! I'm a cross country and long distance track runner and my lungs have always been pretty sucky and it's really hard for me to breath when I begin my run (it used to be worse too). It used to be so hard to breath I'd not be able to breathe in the middle of track workouts from the pressure of the workout on my lungs and I'd have panic attacks which would make it even harder to breathe! My brother has asthma so it wouldn't have surprised me if I did too. But he plays basketball and is pretty active and his asthma has gotten better from being active, and my lungs have gotten better from persevering in running and recently I've been swimming more which has really helped my lungs! Just keep trying and you can do this!

EmilyJackCO

I've been battling chronic severe stress, anxiety & asthma almost all of my life, as well as clinical depression. These are all things that you can solve, but not without medical supervision and communication. I am only just now, after 3 years in therapy, beginning to get my anxiety under control. I have had the help of medication and I've found that many of the prototypical solutions actually make my anxiety far worse. I suffer both panic and anxiety attacks (they are both very different, and one can fuel the other - both of them feeding my asthma). So I have to work very hard to try to find and prevent the cause of the attacks.

My particular anxiety is generalized, not social, and I am also hypersensitive, which causes me to be continuously alert. Learning these things has helped me to understand it a lot more and to accept the fact that I will probably have to take a medication for most of my days. Natural solutions did not work - they compounded the problems severely, especially with my asthma.

A root cause of all of this has been extreme stress throughout all of my life as well. Whether that stress came from my environment, overwork, or illness, there have been times that I have become 'allergic to myself' due to the ridiculously high levels of cortisol in my system. None of which helps any of this. The only way to solve the stress is to remove what stressors that I could from my life and reduce exposure to the rest. And then learn very good coping mechanisms.

I suffer asthma attacks 4-6 times a day without my Advair. When my prescription insurance removed it from coverage last year, I was switched to Symbicort. In 3 months, my lung function dropped 25% and I was having attacks almost every 2 hours. It had taken me 5 years to get to the point where I could run a mile... and here I was nearly killing myself to get through a quarter of that again. My asthma doc screamed at the insurance company and got them to cover me again.

Finding the right medications and medical support is paramount for you to beat this... but you can do it, I promise. And I have done most of the hard work myself... the medicine helps get me to where I can. It's not easy, and it's really scary, but think of all that you have done for yourself and your future when you do.

Finally - fitness has been a primary factor in my ability to function normally. When I first started out going to the gym for the first time 5 years ago - I couldn't breath on the treadmill at 2.5 miles an hour. It took me 2 years to back on 20 pounds of bodyweight. I couldn't lift 10 pound weights without crying. I finally began trying to run last fall....I can now run a mile at 5.5mph, or 2 at 5.0mph, depending. But what really got me through was weight training. Lifting heavy weights has probably been the greatest stress reliever I have ever known. Walking and running helps me a LOT with the anxiety as well.. but there's something about that one last rep that makes you feel like YOU conquered the whole world. And you carry that with you every day.

I just had my first physical in 2 years last week. My doctor and therapist both have finally been able to tell me something that I never thought I would hear... my anxiety is under control. I hope that with slow and steady hard work, that you'll be able to get to that point too.