Exercise Induced Asthma

kjm123079

Hey everyone- I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma a few years back. As a kid, I was very active- track, gymnastics, volleyball, cheerleading, etc. As the years went on, my breathing got worse until it was finally diagnosed as exercise induced.
I want to get back into running, but it seems the asthma gets worse each time I run. I use my inhaler before all runs, but its still an issue.

Has anyone had this issue, and if so, what do you do about it? Or any advise on slowly getting back into running?

Thanks

jamie31

I have exercise induced asthma and have had it for years. I have been able to control it very well while exercising intensely. I have noticed that most flare ups will be when i am running outside when its hot out. In this case i will use my proventil inhaler BEFORE starting my run. For working out in the house or gym i will use my inhaler before my workout if i noticed the air is stuffy. Normally in the winter I dont have to worry about using my inhaler. THe cold air actually helps my asthma

jamie31

What type of inhaler do they have your using?

if using it before runs is not working, i would take the inhler with you to use it when needed

Siege_Tank

I have the same issue, and it simply won't go away. You have to learn how to breathe. every 3rd step should be a transition from breathing in and then breathing out 3 steps later. It's very hard because you feel like you want to breathe quickly and hyperventilate, you want to tear open your chest, but practicing running and breathing while you run will build on itself, and you can conquer it with discipline.

I still have problems maintaining HIIT intensity because of an out of breath feeling. Everyone asks me if I'm a smoker.. -_-

Maddalen101

I have dealt with severe asthma for more than 35 years. I too am a former athlete - competitive fencer back in the day, dance, etc. I had to relearn how to exercise when my asthma really started acting up.

For aerobic exercise, the important thing is to build up slowly. Strengthening the muscles in the chest help to improve breathing. That means weighlifting. It works. For cardio such as running, biking, etc., start SLOW. I walk, and then as I get better on the treadmill, I run SLOWLY. I don't go fast enough to get out of breath, because that's counterproductive. Going faster won't make the workout better or even more efficient.

Also, be sure you are hydrated. Dehydration will make the EIA (exercise-induced asthma) emerge more quickly. Don't run outdoors when it isn't humid, or if you do run outdoors, use a mask so that you don't lose lung moisture.

Please feel free to friend me - we asthmatics need all the support we can get!

Spartan_Maker

Yes, I had it badly when I first started on my fitness campaign, 11 months ago, when I weighed 308 lbs. I'd have an asthma attack if I walked 100 yards. Once, I almost dialed 9-1-1.

I continued walking each day and pushed through it with the aid of an inhaler.

Three months later, after dropping from 308 lbs. to about 250 lbs., it completely disappeared.

Now, at 195 lbs., I can sprint 400 meters at the same speed as an elite high school athlete.

missmacsays

I have similar issues. I was just diagnosed with allergy-induced asthma, but have a lot of problems when trying to exercise because of it. What kind of treatments are you currently doing? I have an everyday inhaler I use twice in the am and twice at night. And then I have my albuterol that is for "emergencies". I use that 15 minutes prior to my workout so it has time to kick in and afterwards if I need it too. Heck, you could even carry it along while you're exercising. I would suggest not overdoing it, but try to push yourself as much as possible. The lungs are a muscle and you want to build them up as much as you can. It might take time and if you're having an issue you might have to take it easy on certain days. But hopefully some of those things help!

NavyKnightAh13

I have had it since I was a teenager but the doctors didn't run the test to confirm until i was 18 (they blamed it on my weight instead of looking at the family history). I will have it for the rest of my life and it will get worse (COPD runs rampant on my moms side and thus why i ended up with asthma). I take my inhaler 15 minutes prior to any exercise and then keep it around if I need to take it any other time. I have also had to be on Advair for about two months (its usually during the spring because of the fields and what is in the air).

I have ran five 5ks and will take my inhaler before and then just keep pushing. I would say you can do it, it will be hard at first but it will take time getting used to. Somedays it acts up more then others but i still keep pushing and i can recall of twice having an asthma attack after, but i do agree about the dehydration thing as well. If its too hot outdoors, don't run (there was one day i ran in 90 degree humid weather over the summer, bad idea). Other then that, you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sarahrbraun

I have similar issues. I was just diagnosed with allergy-induced asthma, but have a lot of problems when trying to exercise because of it. What kind of treatments are you currently doing? I have an everyday inhaler I use twice in the am and twice at night. And then I have my albuterol that is for "emergencies". I use that 15 minutes prior to my workout so it has time to kick in and afterwards if I need it too. Heck, you could even carry it along while you're exercising. I would suggest not overdoing it, but try to push yourself as much as possible. The lungs are a muscle and you want to build them up as much as you can. It might take time and if you're having an issue you might have to take it easy on certain days. But hopefully some of those things help!

I have asthma too. I had 4 back to back cases of bronchitis last fall. We finally got my meds right, and I have only had one exacerbation in the last 11-12 months.

I am on advair 250/50 (morning and evening), 10mg singulair daily...then I am under orders to use my albuterol inhaler before exercise...I also have a nebulizer for when I am sick and the inhaler isnt helping.

Honestly, I haven't had an issue bad enough to make me abandon my workout yet this year...