Asthma and Running !

bertybridger

Anyone got any tips for running/jogging when you suffer from Asthma.

It seems I can only go for about 3 - 5 mins before I need to stop struggling to catch my breath, can't seem to get any further, but I can cycle for about 1hr non stop unless I really push it.

I know people can run marathons suffering from Asthma, hoping to hear from other sufferers that know what I mean, should I use my inhaler before I start and during to keep going ???

Any tips fellow sufferers !

KHoiriis

Anyone got any tips for running/jogging when you suffer from Asthma.

It seems I can only go for about 3 - 5 mins before I need to stop struggling to catch my breath, can't seem to get any further, but I can cycle for about 1hr non stop unless I really push it.

I know people can run marathons suffering from Asthma, hoping to hear from other sufferers that know what I mean, should I use my inhaler before I start and during to keep going ???

Any tips fellow sufferers !

Hope you get some answers. I did day #1 this morning for Couch to 5K and I had an asthma attack. Bleck. Took me like another 45 minutes to feel "ok". I can do Zumba with no issues, Ride the bike and even swim. But the RUNNING kills me. I so badly want to be able to run.

redcon1228

Hi - I'm new but browing the topics before any introductions... hope you don't mind if I chime in.

I've suffered from exercised-induced asthma since college, when I was a VERY active runner (25 miles/week) Now (at 49) I don't run much but I cycle a great deal and always carry a rescue inhaler with me... but haven't had to use it for a few years.

3 years ago I finally broke down and saw an allergist, not just my family doctor. I have bad seasonal allergies, bad when I was younger but worse in later years and horrible when we moved here to South-Central Pennsylvania 12 years ago. The allergist started me on a immunontherapy program so I have been receiving allergy shots for almost three years. My allergic symptoms have subsided somewhat, not all the way, but the exercise-ninduced asthma attacks have disappeared completely.

I would say see an allergy specialist who can treat your asthma. And if you don't have one, get an albuterol or similar inhaler prescribed ASAP, and have it with you during exercise. For me, if I took 2 puffs before I started the exercise I could usually complete the day's workout without problems. But, like I said, now I don't need to use it at all.

Asthma attacks are no joke... they can kill. Seek treatment from a specialist.

piesbd

I would agree to go to the doctor and discuss the issues you are having. There may be some things that he/she can do to help. I know that singular has been used to help control asthma (I take it for allergy induced asthma attacks).

Good luck!

mama2shi

I hit my inhaler before starting, and then just keep it nearby in case I need it. I would check with your doctor too. In the beginning I had a hard time running distance with it even with the inhaler, but over time I have been able to build up to running miles and being fine.

mbcasey2009

Start slow. Walk/run a lot! If you feel shortness of breath coming on, stop. Believe it or not, my asthma improved and is pretty much gone now. I'm not gonna lie though, it was really slow going and I thought I would pass out quite a bit or have an attack, but slowly but surely it got better. I'm now running 30-35 miles a week and can't remember the last time I had an attack. My husband gets irritated at me because I have no idea where my inhalers are anymore. Good luck!

lovetms

I have exercise-induced asthma and I run. I would try using your inhaler before you run and keep your inhaler on you as you run. I found that my asthma symptoms have actually subsided the more fit I got. My advice would be to listen to your body, use your inhaler if you need it, stop running if you have to.

Jani2416

I have mild asthma, I used my inhailer yesterday after a jog and that was the 1st time in a very long time. My dr told me that if I feel like it's not in control when I exercise to come in and see her to get it under control.....so I would see your dr to see what your options are.

mbcasey2009

I know people can run marathons suffering from Asthma, hoping to hear from other sufferers that know what I mean, should I use my inhaler before I start and during to keep going ???

Any tips fellow sufferers !

Side note-my doctor recommended I use my inhaler 15 min before every run. I tried this a few times and it made my stomach hurt something terrible. And made my breathing worse weirdly enough, so for sure check with your doctor and see what works for you.

kristin1125

I just started running a couple months ago and suffer from chronic asthma.

What helps me is really focusing on my breathing - that's really all I think about for the first mile or two. I breathe in-in-in then out-out-out. I also watch my pace - running too fast before I have my breathing under control definitely makes me stop sooner. I have also found that the less humid the air is the easier it is for me to run - this is probably true for non-asthma sufferers too. I don't even need to bring my inhaler with me.

{I'm the same way with spinning - I don't need to stop like I do with running}

Dreamerryu27

Yes me! So here is what works for me:

1) Take your daily meds
2) Nebulizer before and after if you have one.
3) Bring your inhalor just in case
4) Don't eat before you run
5) C25K DO IT! It really taught me how to run and in a way that wasn't making me die for air
6) Don't run in the heat either early am or late night or at a gym

Add me if you want I'll try and help you if I can! Either way good luck and enjoy. Running is my new addiction

quink77

I've had asthma since childhood and until recently I never got involved in any physical activity that may cause an asthma attack. I got motivated enough to try running in April. What works best for me is to use my rescue inhaler twice before running (about 15-20 minutes prior). I haven't had any attacks since I started doing this. The only lung-related issue I have is a little bit of a burning sensation in my lungs about five minutes into my run, but that goes away after a few minutes.

rides4sanity

I also have asthma, and when I first started running I had a really hard time breathing at the begining of a run. I also cycle a lot and even teach spin class so i didn't feel it was a fitness issue, but rather a breathing issue. What I found was that I had to find my rhythm, which is different than it is for riding and for me that meant starting off slowly. When I start a run I jog for about 4-5 minutes and then slowly increase my speed until I'm where I want to be. It's easier on a treadmill at first because you can set paces. I do 1/2 mile at 5.0, then add 0.2 every quarter mile until I'm up to 6.5 or so. BTW the first 1/2 mile is still tough for me, but I know it will settle, so I'm able to oush past it, but my asthma is not very severe. Good luck!

cassavaca

i agree with some of the others that the asthma could be part from allergies. I have a great friend who always had serious attacks and she eventually found out she had a ton of outdoor, indoor and food allergies and that seriously effected her breathing. Once all that was under control, she barely uses her inhaler.

As for me, i do suffer from serious allergy issues as well, and in the beginning after running bursts of 30 seconds i would wheeze and wheeze (i never had asthma issues) but after immunotherapy (allergy shots) and keeping up with my exercise, i find it easier to breathe now and i can go longer and not have wheezing spells.

lchovet

I've had asthma my whole life, severe when I was a child but pretty mild these day comparatively. I have take Singular as a controller medication for several years now and rarely need my rescue inhaler. I started doing Zumba about a year ago now, when I started I took my inhaler before every class. Now I can get thru and entire hour without it. I have no desire to run but do also ride my bike with no problems. I would approach it the same way though take your inhaler before you go for a run and build up your stamina with something like couch to 5K. Run a few minutes walk a few type thing. I sure before for long you will notice a difference. Good Luck !!!

Brengild

I used to run but the asthma put a stop to it. Thats when I discovered biking. I can ride forever without any problems(always take inhaler just in case), but any time I try to run I just cant! The area I live in has a lot of amazing bike trails, so biking is my new passion!

xNJAx

I used to be a long distance running and did cross-country, but then developed asthma and had to give up. I've started running again over the last year or so and in the beginning was the same as you are now. However, I can now run for about half an hour without any problem (still not as long as I would like, but gradually building up).

My advice would be much the same as everyone else's, particularly about really focussing on your breathing. For me, breathing in-in, out-out (with each breath coinciding with a foot touching the floor) really works. The minute I stop focussing on that pattern, no matter how far into my run I am, I'll have an asthma attack.

I'd also say make sure you take your preventative inhaler every day without fail, not just when you feel you need it. I had a massive improvement in my ability to run when I started taking that more seriously.

I find I struggle more if I've had a drink of anything fizzy or eaten anything dairy beforehand, but that may just be me - fizz sets me off at random times because I don't really drink anything fizzy usually, and I'm dairy intolerant so it may have something to do with that rather than asthma itself.

Finally, interval training might be a good place to start, e.g. one minute of running, two minutes of walking, one minute of running, two minutes of walking...
If you do that until and gradually increase the time spent running and/or decrease the walking time or change it to jogging you'll soon be able to run further and for longer periods.

I think lungs are a bit like other muscles - the more you challenge them (without pushing them too far) the more they improve.

All the best with it! I hope it works out for you.

I don't even need to bring my inhaler with me.

I don't want to sound like some interferring old busy-body, but this really worried me.
PLEASE don't run (or do anything, actually) without having an inhaler!
I've had periods of years without needing inhalers and then, suddenly, *BAM* - full blown asthma attack, out of nowhere, no warning. If it hadn't been drummed into me from a young age that I MUST, at all times, have an inhaler with me - whether I think I need it or not - I'd be dead now. Personally, I think it's a risk not worth taking for the sake of a little bit of nuisance carrying an inhaler around everywhere I go.

Natalie x

bertybridger

Wow thank you everyone for such a great response.

I have tried my doctor but all he tells me is im a sensitive person because I have Asthma, hay-fever, Eczema and high-blood pressure which all run in the family, he says stay clear of running and just do what you can that does not bring it on (he is an *kitten*)

Don't like this response especially now so many of you do run, going to take it slow and follow your advices.

I read on a website once that you should try wearing a cotton scarf or neck scarf across your mouth so it warms the air slightly before it enters your lungs as the cold air as you run can bring on the Asthma anyone heard this one before. I think if I try this anyone walking past will think "I just gone on the rob" (stole something.... for people outside the UK) lol

TRHuston

I agree with those stating that you can overcome asthma with improved health. If it's serious, always have your inhaler with you, but start out slow. If you feel yourself getting short on breath, slow it down and wait for your breathing to regulate before continuing on. I've gone from needing a puff every time I exerted myself in any way to being able to have, albeit short, conversations while jogging with a friend. Speed and endurance will come with practice, but first, learn to breathe. Good luck to you!

Roninblade

I get the same problem , I try running for more than 5min and it kicks in. For me I needed to loose some weight (3stone+) and the best way I was told was running. I started back in May with interval running or HIIT. At first I would warm up ( very important) and walk at a good pace for 2min then jog for 1min then walk for the final minute. Then for 20min I would run for 1min and walk for 1min. This way my asthma would not have the opportunity to start playing up.
Because I have never been interested in running I had no stamina in my legs so it took a bit of time to strengthen them up. Over time I have gone up to 50min but dropped it back to 30min including the 4min warm up, I find this is enough for me. I spoke to a friend of mine who is mega fit and runs for a local team and he recommended that I vary the runs with either less rest (walking) or increase the speed. I now run still for 30min and the same warm up, but I now sprint at 80-90% max speed for 40sec and fast walk for 50sec, also after doing this for 10min I then start to lowly increase the speed in the sprints part and lower it back down and finish off with 1min walk. For this workout I normally burn just over 400 calories. I always keep a diary for my runs to look back on. To day in am just under 3 stone lighter and my recovery time is quick.
Hope this helps.

RunnerElizabeth

Wow thank you everyone for such a great response.

I have tried my doctor but all he tells me is im a sensitive person because I have Asthma, hay-fever, Eczema and high-blood pressure which all run in the family, he says stay clear of running and just do what you can that does not bring it on (he is an *kitten*)

Don't like this response especially now so many of you do run, going to take it slow and follow your advices.

The best thing I did for my asthma is learn to run. I'm actually off my daily meds now because of it (do have to start back up if I get a cold though).

I've had asthma since childhood. I never ran, they had me sit out gym class. I was a mess. I was told my whole life I couldn't run. Come 2010 I decided I wasn't going to accept that anymore. I started c25k, couldn't run 3 minutes at a time. Over months I built up to 12 mins running, but then I started getting sick (strep throat 3 times in 2 months). So I put running on hold.

Eventually I tried again and it worked, but I stopped with intervals and just gradually built time onto my running. So one week I ran 15 mins 3 days, finished off the half hour with walking, the next week it was 20and I built from there. This actually worked better for me. Once I was running 5k in 40 mins I started a 5k plan (this was 2012).

Since then I've run 2 half marathons. And I go on 15 mile long runs that take 2 1/2 hours.

I've done this gradually. My advice:

1. Know your triggers (colds and allergies for me)
2. Take your fast acting inhaler 15 mins before start
3. If you are on a maintenance drug, take it religously!
4. Measure your peakflow every day (I can predict attacks based on this, I know when not to run)
5. If you start to get sick, rest (I ended up with pneumonia and was out for 4 weeks during hm training due to this)
6. Most important - run slow! Slower than you think you need to, basically a shuffle. I started between 13-15 min miles now I'm down to 8 for short distances 9:45 to 10 for long
7. Do a gradual program like c25k.
8. Consider finding a pulmonaligst that supports your goals.

Good luck!

GiveMeCoffee

Wow thank you everyone for such a great response.

I have tried my doctor but all he tells me is im a sensitive person because I have Asthma, hay-fever, Eczema and high-blood pressure which all run in the family, he says stay clear of running and just do what you can that does not bring it on (he is an *kitten*)

Don't like this response especially now so many of you do run, going to take it slow and follow your advices.

The best thing I did for my asthma is learn to run. I'm actually off my daily meds now because of it (do have to start back up if I get a cold though).


I've done this gradually. My advice:

1. Know your triggers (colds and allergies for me)
2. Take your fast acting inhaler 15 mins before start
3. If you are on a maintenance drug, take it religously!
4. Measure your peakflow every day (I can predict attacks based on this, I know when not to run)
5. If you start to get sick, rest (I ended up with pneumonia and was out for 4 weeks during hm training due to this)
6. Most important - run slow! Slower than you think you need to, basically a shuffle. I started between 13-15 min miles now I'm down to 8 for short distances 9:45 to 10 for long
7. Do a gradual program like c25k.
8. Consider finding a pulmonaligst that supports your goals.

Good luck!

Best advice! I have severe asthma and allergic to just about everything.

My pulmonary doctor is the person that recommended I start running. I always do a nebulizer treatment 15 minutes before I do any exercise and lately haven't needed the one immediately after so it is working!

cwaters120

I hit my inhaler before starting, and then just keep it nearby in case I need it. I would check with your doctor too. In the beginning I had a hard time running distance with it even with the inhaler, but over time I have been able to build up to running miles and being fine.

The above is the same for me. I also remember to take an allergy med before since its allergies COMBINED with the exertion that set mine off. Since your doc is obviously not "for" your exercise improvement (the oddest advice from a doctor I've ever heard!!), build gradually - you may have to start walking then walking/jogging intervals to get where you want to be. As my doc put it "don't be afraid to try anything, but be willing to modify everything until you can get it."

mandimuscles

Yes! It's funny, I actually find biking MUCH harder on my lungs than much else, totally opposite! (I think too much cold air comes in when I breathe in thru my mouth) BUT, when running, breathe in thru your nose as much as you can and out thru the mouth. Scarf is a good idea too if that can't happen. Counting breaths with steps helped me a lot. Steady in and steady out. Run SLOW. If you feel out of breath, slow down. The C25K is a great program because it allows you to slow down a little and catch your breath. For me, I also wear a Heart Rate Monitor too, I find watching where my heart rate is, I base my activity on that and can keep it under control. Mine is higher than anyone else I work out with, we think it's because of the asthma, but at 170-180, I'm at my max and need to slow it back down to 150-160. I can keep up the high intensity a few minutes but then I know to get back down and not go over 180. Once you get in and try a few different things, you'll quickly figure out what works for you and stick with it. I know it's not easy, but I wish you luck!

sleepyotter

I had an inhaler as a kid, and I used to be AWFUL at running.

I do think C25K offers a really good approach. Walk a lot, run a little, work your way up to walk a little, run a little, and work your way up to walk a little, run a lot. Last week I ran for almost three miles straight, which I never thought I'd be able to do, I always struggled to complete just one mile. Repeat weeks if you need to.

lwagnitz

I usually take 2 puffs of my inhaler before I run. I take 3 deep breaths before inhaling and make sure my last breath out is long, then when I inhale I take a long long deep breath and hold it as long as I possibly can and even sometimes suck in a little more air. I feel like this works the best. If I'm sick or my allergies are acting up (which flares up my asthma) I'll take 3 puffs. I then bring the inhaler with me just in case I need it during; which is rare. This seems to be the best method. Also, if you're like me with the allergy/cold issue that triggers it make sure you stay on top of your regime. If you have allergies that trigger it take your allergy medicine (prescription or OTC) EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Every case is different, so this is speaking from experience and the best I can give based on that. Wish you luck; I know it's no fun.

emelia_

I have asthma and it's always recommend to take your inhaler before running. Running has made my asthma sooooo much better, I no longer need my inhaler before running or at any other time.

I don't know what prescription you have but it usually says do not take more than 1 dose in 4 hours. I mean if you are having an asthma attack on your run that would be fine but every time you get breathless you have to realize it's not always the asthma. Running is hard and new on your lungs if you haven't run much before.

Start with smaller distances and build up!

lwagnitz

I read on a website once that you should try wearing a cotton scarf or neck scarf across your mouth so it warms the air slightly before it enters your lungs as the cold air as you run can bring on the Asthma anyone heard this one before. I think if I try this anyone walking past will think "I just gone on the rob" (stole something.... for people outside the UK) lol

Yes, I've heard this, tried it, and it helps. I'll use like those head bands or ear warmers Idk what they're called and just put that on my nose/mouth. I generally try to not run in the cold as I live in Wisconsin though ahah. My grandma has emphysema and when she was active before she had other medical complications she would do this, too.

slimandfab13

I also have exercise-induced asthma but only suffer from it when running. So I just mostly stick to walking and other cardio exercises.

ginakiki

same here asthma sucks