asthma and duathlons

Options
randysbombshellgirl
randysbombshellgirl Posts: 338 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Are there any runners out there with asthma? I've been running for over 7 years and have always managed my asthma. Recently with the heat humidity and increased running schedule I find my breathing is bad and my times are up. My rescue inhaler helps a little. I want to run a duathlon but am a little freaked out. Anyone in the same situation? Any advice?)

Replies

  • 2hobbit1
    2hobbit1 Posts: 820 Member
    Options
    Time to check in with your doc. Are you on an other med besides the rescue inhaler like leukotriene inhibitor (like singular)or a long acting broncodilator with or without steroids? If not you may need to start if your activity levels are effected by weather and pollen counts. Your pulmonary doc can help.
  • randysbombshellgirl
    randysbombshellgirl Posts: 338 Member
    Options
    No other meds. I've been putting off calling my Doc hoping it would get better. Maybe I'll give her a ring. Thanks
  • 2hobbit1
    2hobbit1 Posts: 820 Member
    Options
    bad air quality is a huge trigger and with the way the weather has been recently its not going to get better anytime soon!
  • Melanie_RS
    Melanie_RS Posts: 417 Member
    Options
    using a rescue inhaler 15 mins before is perfectly fine....I have asthma and use my inhaler about 2 times a day b/c I generally exercise about twice a day.

    the humidity and heat are horrific triggers even when I'm not exercising - but think of your albuterol as a proactive measure not a rescue when you are almost dying thing.

    when people have exercise induced asthma, it's how you treat it.

    don't go with corticosteroids if you don't have to...unless you're having problems chronically throughout the day and night. if it's just exercise induced b/c of weather conditions, use your proactive measure ;)
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    Options
    don't go with corticosteroids if you don't have to...unless you're having problems chronically throughout the day and night. if it's just exercise induced b/c of weather conditions, use your proactive measure ;)

    I'd agree with this. If you are only having issues while running and weather seems to compound things, then it's likely you just have EIA. If you've having issues at other times (for me an attack is generally in the form of a nagging cough, sometimes it wakes me, and general shortness of breath) I'd definitely get in to see your PCP. Humidity is a BIG trigger for me, so this time of year is about the only time of year that I use my rescue inhaler a lot...and when my allergies are particularly bad in the Spring and Fall.

    BTW, I love duathlons...so much fun!
  • bodiva88
    bodiva88 Posts: 308 Member
    Options
    Go to your doctor, preferably a specialist in asthma. Asthma is nothing to play with or to have strangers on a website advise you about. If you're having episodic symptoms, you are not under good control and your doctor can determine what's necessary.
  • Melanie_RS
    Melanie_RS Posts: 417 Member
    Options
    Go to your doctor, preferably a specialist in asthma. Asthma is nothing to play with or to have strangers on a website advise you about. If you're having episodic symptoms, you are not under good control and your doctor can determine what's necessary.

    i think all of life's questions can be asked and answered on social networking sites.

    rescue inhalers are PRESCRIBED for episodic symptoms. especially with EIA.. they will say the same thing...use it 15minutes before exercise. or you will have episodic symptoms.
  • randysbombshellgirl
    randysbombshellgirl Posts: 338 Member
    Options
    Thanks to all for the input. Nice to know I'm not alone. It is def EIA using a puff before a run is a great idea. I'm going to check with my doc too so I'll feel better about training for the duathlon.
  • momof3and3
    momof3and3 Posts: 656 Member
    Options
    I am a runnner, I run 5ks and 1/2 marathons with moderate-to severe asthma...cold weather running is my downfall. I am on advair (yes it is an inhaled steriod) and have been on it for years. Without it I cannot function and would use my resuce inhaler all the time.

    Check with your dr, there are a few different types of rescue inhalers so maybe he/she just needs to tweak what you are using

    Definately take 2 puffs, prior to exercise whether you need it or not. That should hold you during your runs.

    If it persists, maybe you have allergies that are aggrevating it...molds are high at this time of year. Again, ask dr.

    The main thing is don;t let it stop you from doing what you want. I am maintained really well with me, with close monitoring. I run, spin, kickbox, etc. Some days are better than others, and some of it is mental.

Categories