Asthma

roylawrence87

Anyone on here have asthma? I really want to run outside but I cant becasue of the cold. It kills my lungs. I would love to hear from others on the subject. Hope Im not the only person on here with asthma. Kinda gets lonely at times...:frown: j/k

natspoiledbrat

I also have asthma but rarely run outside so it doesn't bother me as much. When I do run outside and it is cold, I can feel the effects almost instantly. Gyms are hard too though. I am also severely allergic to mold, so there have been times at the gym that I just leave because I can't breath. I actually had an asthma attack at the gym about 6 months ago and luckily had my rescue near. My asthma is much more under control now then it has been in the past. Have you seen your doctor recently to go over your meds and discuss you treatment. About 2 to 3 years ago I started seeing an Asthma and Allergy specialist and have been able to take maintenance meds to control symptoms. Before that, I would end up on 1 or 2 steroid treatments in less than a years time. Then I would gain a ton of weight.

roylawrence87

I havent been to the doc in years. I just ran out of inhalers too. So that means I need to be careful. I can usually control it but today it was like putting my lungs in a vise. I just wanted to run so bad and it hurt so bad.:sad: I wish it would go away.

Corbinsmom

I have Asthma too and I could never run. I did much better with swimming and oddly enough dancing. When i was yound ( around your age haha ) I was very pysically active and athletic and I would do great so long as I didn't have to run. I feel for you. Hang in there and get to a doc and get a new perscription for your in halers too! Not good to be out.

cathy286

:flowerforyou: I too have asthma and cannot run and just breathing the cold air in the garage getting in my car in the morning is a killer. Recently started new meds so waiting to see how the help. I have a bad back too so walking on the treadmill for short periods of time and oddly enough, dancing carefully are my most beneficial activities.

bytelaw

I have asthma as well, but it was in control before I decided to lose weight and get into shape (funny how that works). When I started working out and running inside and out, I had loads of trouble. Everything I tried that's listed here I did with a doctor's advice and under his care (i.e., didn't just randomly try things on my own). First I tried using the inhaler 15 minutes before, and that didn't help. Then I also tried keeping the air I was breathing warmer by breathing through my nose, and that helped in the cold but is so hard to do when you're desperately out of shape! My doc said cold and dry are asthmas' two enemies (that's why swimming is generally great for those who suffer from asthma--moist air--and swimming does work for me with no asthma problems). Then the doc put me on Advair, once a day and that helped a little (also still used the inhaler 15 min before workout/run), then he increased the dosage to twice a day for the Advair and after about 2 weeks of doing that regularly, it helped a lot. I still try to make the air warmer if I'm running or working out outside (or skiing), often by breathing through a scarf or turtleneck. Thank goodness I live in California or I'd be in big trouble with the cold air! Anyway, hope that helps, and that you can find some way around this.

NykkieC

Hey Roy, I have asthma too. It really bothers me running in the cold as well, and even in the summer months. I just have to take my inhaler a long with me and use it whenever I need it, which ends up being around 3 times just for a mile. :ohwell:

As for running out of inhalers, there's an OTC one called Primatene that works just as well for me, I believe it's around $15.

Chenoachem

I have asthma as well and I do run. I have slowly worked up to be able to run 8 miles. I have also worked in Pharmaceuticals studying and making inhalers, so I have learned quite abit about this stuff.

First off, running is possible, even in the cold. It just takes time. I have a fleece neck warmer that I use for running and I pull it up over my mouth. If you breath into it, it keeps the air around your mouth and noose moist and warm. Second trick is caffeine. Have a warm beverage that contains caffeine before going out. It will open the airways in your lungs up and make it easier. I also have a warm beverage when I come back from a run and it helps also.

Trick number 3, go slowly. It took me almost 6 months to do the C25K plan. I would go out and put my best effort forward to complete the days workout and if it was to hard, I did it again until it was easier. I also biked. I found that it built up my endurance in an easier fashion. I started cycling 2 miles and kept adding until I got up to 12 miles then I started running.

On inhalers. Advair, as was mentioned by someone, is been one of the best maintenace meds for people. It is a combination of 2 different steriods that can really help people get under control. Most rescue inhalers are Albuterol. The OTC inhalers (Primatine Mist) are adrenaline. They are not really that effective and the delivery system does not get much into your lungs. I would recommends trying to see a doctor and get a new prescription.

With running, I am no longer on any maintenance inhalers and I use my rescue inhaler maybe once per year. Good Luck. You can do it. You have to find your limits and test them, rest, and try it again.

workingitout

I also have asthma, and I've never been able to breathe well enough to jog. Now that I go to the gym every day, I am in the habit of using my Albuterol inhaler one hour before I plan to exercise. There's some leeway there since it is effective for about 4 hours, but definitely using it an hour ahead is way more useful than 20 minutes ahead, which is what the prescription label says. The only problem is that you go through an inhaler pretty fast using it every day like that, but it's a necessity. As I get in better and better shape through walking, swimming, elliptical, etc I have started mixing a little jogging in. It's like my own personal Couch 2 5k! I hope my lungs will get stronger and more effective as I get in better shape. Definitely find a doctor to get your meds worked out so you can keep making progress. Best of luck to you!

lvfunandfit

I have asthma and recently ran a half marathon in December. I run about 10 miles per week. 1 5 mile run and a couple 2-3 mile runs with my dog (he can't make it much further). I am going to increase my weekly 5 mile run to 7 miles.

Anyhow, It takes time to get there. On really cold days it does bother me more. I use my rescue inhaler before I hit the pavement if things are in bloom or if it is a cold morning. After a mile into the run my lungs are wide open and I feel great! When I started running, couldn't run a mile with out having to take 3-4 walking breaks. Now, I don't stop at all and I feel great.

Advair really helped me and now that I'm running I don't need maintenance meds. My lung capacity was at 98% last time I was tested! It's always high when I run!

I grew up with parents who didn't let me participate in sports because of my asthma. I was always left out of those things and it was frustrating. That's how things were then. Now, Doctors push asthmatics to exercise and participate in sports. It really does help improve your lung capacity!

roylawrence87

Well thanks everyone for the information! I am definately going to the doctor to see what I can get. I really want to start running. I work out inside and it only bothers me outside so I'll have to cover my mouth with something. I had Advair when I was younger and I thought it was ok but I still had to use my inhaler.
I wont give up with this. I'll push and push to find my walls and break them down!
Thanks guys! Yall have been a real help!:happy: :happy: :happy:

roylawrence87

Update:
Today I ran on a treadmill for 25 mins. My speeds varied from 3 to 6 mph. At the end I ran 1.5m.
I felt an asthma attack coming on around the 3minute mark but I didnt give up. I was running at 5mph so I slow down to 3mph and walk fast while controlling my breathing and then slowed to a stop. At this point I stretched my legs and also my arms(getting into a mindset of "I'm going to do this"). I began to slow my breathing to a more controlled manner. When I felt the asthma begin to dissapate I began to pyramid my running back up to 6 mph. Throughout the whole of this experience I was able to control my asthma therefore I was able to run like I wanted to. The mind controls the body.

natspoiledbrat

That is awesome! It is so important to slow down if you feel an attack coming on. I would talk to your doctor asap about getting an inhaler. I am using the 250/50 Advair and will be moving down to the 100/50 Advair soon. I also take Singular. With these 2 meds, I am able to only have to use my Albuterol inhaler at the most twice a year. I hope everything works out for you, and you can find a medication that can help you control your asthma so that it no longer has a negative impact on your fitness goals! Good luck!

normastafne

I have been an asthmatic all my life. I live in Wisconsin, so it gets COOOOLD outside. I suggest that you see a doctor to manage your symptoms. Did you know the asthmatic have a high mortality rate? That means that YOU COULD DIE if you don't have a handle on you symptoms. If you cannot afford medical care, seek out a free clinic in your area. It is very important to take care of you whole being. Once and asthmatic, always an asthmatic. . . there is no cure.
I wear a formed surgical mask, (you can get them online or even at your local hardware store), when it is cold. This really makes a BIG difference. It warms and humidifies the air you breathe. Good luck to you, and keep on running!

innerhottie

I tried to control my asthma for years on my own. I had several reactions to different meds and I was scared of them.
Then I wound up in the hospital with my breathing and that was scary.

I am now on Qvar and it is FABULOUS, no side effects at all. I also have a Xopenex rescue inhaler.
I was able to run for 6 minutes straight on a treadmill the other day (I haven't ran in YEARS).
Go and get some meds!