Asthma & Allergy Sufferers......

jabberjaws77

I have been sick almost all winter & after being mis-diagnosed by the doctor, I finally went to a specialist & found out that I have moderate-severe asthma as well as 3 allergies, 1 being a pretty severe allergy. I found out that what my doctor thought was a cold/flu was actually the above complications which turned into hayfever.
I was sick for over 2 months & just 1 week ago I was put on 3 different medications. I was to the point where I could never sleep & when I tried, I felt like someone was sitting on my chest. The last few times I worked out before I came down with all of this I had to stop because I literally thought I was going to suffocate & my face was so red that I think it even scared my husband.
My question is for anyone who can offer some positive answers....lol, has anybody been able to resume their cardio workouts after being diagnosed with mod-severe asthma & being put on medication to control it? I was really hoping to eventually work my way back up to jogging & now I'm wondering if that will still be an option?? I'd love to hear from anyone who is dealing with this same problem & I'd greatly appreciate any input, similar experiences, any exercises you are still able to do, & just any words of encouragement to help me stay on course

Dfracassa

I had what my doctor called "uncontrolled" asthma my entire life. I always had two rescue inhalers, but they were forever running out because I used them all the time. For a long time, I couldn't do any cardio workout without using both inhalers first. Several times I tried to train myself to not need them and found I couldn't even run half a mile! Pretty lame. For almost a year now, I've been on Dulera, a long-acting steroid combined with a rescue ingredient. It's changed my life. Before, I used to feel terrible every night and have a tough time sleeping, feeling as though a cat were sittng on my chest. Now, I have no problems at any time of day. I take two puffs every night, and I can exercise, sleep, run up and down the stairs, you name it. It's the best medical decision I've ever made. As for the allergies, I've been dealing with those, concurrently, my whole life, as well. I used to get shots every week and they never helped, and I've come to accept that I just have to deal with that crap. Yeah, it sucks for a few weeks out of the year (well, let's be honest: months) but allergies don't have to ruin your life. I found that the Benadryl dissolving strips work the best: they don't make you sleepy, but they take the edge off your allergy issues. If you can find them, I highly recommend them. I can't take a daily allergy pill like Claritin because I take the Pill and wear contacts, and that combination can dry the eyes out too much. Very painful. But I have two cats and lots of gardens, and I don't plan on giving anything up.

I hope any of this helps! Ask your pulmonologist about Dulera. I wasn't kidding before, it seriously changed my life.

MaraDiaz

I have mild asthma/severe allergies and I'm the opposite, I'm sickest when it's hot. Sadly it is hot here most of the year. I tried to work out last Spring/Summer, it didn't happen. I gave up and concentrated on my diet instead. This year the same thing will probably happen.

I could ask the doc for an inhaler and might do that, but I'd rather not. It's pollution mainly that makes me sick in the first place, what I really plan to do is move to somewhere with less chemicals in the air rather than put more chemicals in my lungs trying to fix the problem. But I might get desperate and try the inhaler while I'm stuck here.

Oh yeah, and indoor heat does it, too. I keep my vent shut in my room and shiver under two blankets rather than wake up snotty and sick.

Oh, and generic Sudafed. Way more than I need to be taking. The other anti-allergy medicine and the anti-asthma pill both have an ingredient that can make your hair fall out if you take them too long.

oxnina

i have exercised induced asthma which means i suffer from
Coughing with asthma
Tightening of the chest
Wheezing
Unusual fatigue while exercising
Shortness of breath when exercising

I do have regular asthma but it only occurs when i'm having an allergy attack and i'm not getting enough air into my lungs.
I have to be very careful when exercising because if i'm in an area that has limited air flow, or has allergens in it that i'm allergic to, i can't breathe. My solution is using my inhaler, as well as taking an antihistamine so my lungs will open up better. I think the key is to slowly build up your workouts. i know because i am also overweight, the exercise induced asthma is also happening because i'm out of shape. So i slowly build up my cardio and practice deep breathing to prevent my face from getting really red.

Hopefully this helps??

jsiricos

For allergies, I take Walgreens version of Zyrtec, every day, no matter what. I dont need another uncontrolled allergy attack!
(involved a lot of benadryl, steroids and an ER)

Asthma tho is different - can you swim? Can you go to a pool?

Not only is swimming great exercise, but if you take a breath, and see how far you can go underwater, you are helping your lungs.
The more you do it, the more you'll be able to see your lungs improve, by the distance you can go.

I was a medic for 13 years, I have seen someone die of suffocation in front of me and not been able to do anything, because she thought her asthma wasn't bad.

shrinkinc

I have exercise induced asthma as well. It's only mild though (it's been bas this winter when I hadn't had issues for a year). As long as I use my inhaler right before I work out I'm usually ok. I also use it right after sometimes if I have the chest tightness. Keeping up with my allergy meds really helps. I take OTC zyrtec (2 pills) every day.

Allergies can really kill you. I spent one winter vacations (I took about 1 1/2 weeks off work over Christmas) so miserable and I couldn't figure it out. Finally found out I was allergic to cats and dogs (which at that point I had 2 cats and 1 dog). Once I got on the allergy medicine train things got substantially better.

MaraDiaz

For allergies, I take Walgreens version of Zyrtec, every day, no matter what. I dont need another uncontrolled allergy attack!
(involved a lot of benadryl, steroids and an ER)

Asthma tho is different - can you swim? Can you go to a pool?

Not only is swimming great exercise, but if you take a breath, and see how far you can go underwater, you are helping your lungs.
The more you do it, the more you'll be able to see your lungs improve, by the distance you can go.

I was a medic for 13 years, I have seen someone die of suffocation in front of me and not been able to do anything, because she thought her asthma wasn't bad.

I think I'll tell my family if I die of it to sue my old doctor. He didn't take me very seriously when I was a teenager and complained of shortness of breath. Since I was a young female I think he assumed it was anxiety.

Although I guess it's too late now. If I was going to be all litigious I should have died sooner!

MightyDomo

My asthma has always been bad, since I was diagnosed at 5 years old. I think living with it all these years I have just kept a lifestyle that made it easy for me. I never participated in gym (had passed out many times from asthma attacks and even with an inhaler I had severe attacks)

However with incremental increases in activity and the use Symbicort as a preventor and a treatment I managed to start running although since I have not been able to practice running even heavy cardio for less than a minute makes me feel completely out of breath and gasping for air. This history of my experience shows that with slow increases in activity over time you can increase your endurance as long as you continue your medication with proper use. Just take it slowly and don't get discouraged.

determined_erin

I know how ya feel. I've been getting allergy shots from an allergist for 10 years. I am severely allergic to everything in nature, all animals, etc. I'm even allergic to sesame seeds and sesame oil! I have bad asthma, as well. I feel like the shots have helped a little, but I just recently quit getting them. I just take Allegra now, but nothing really helps my severe allergies.

TinaDay1114

I had pretty bad asthma all during childhood, and up until I was about 15. I went the allergy shot route then, and was actually doing fine for the last 25 years or so. Now I've been having sinus issues, and after 2 years of chronic sinus infections, am getting shots again. They aren't fun, but I will say I've had no sinus infections this year so far, and I"m still in the beginning stages of the shots. I figured they worked for almost 30 years, I guess I'll do it again.

That said, I've also been hearing a lot lately (from a local doctor, some CrossFit trainers, and others) about how much diet can affect these "inflammatory" reactions. A lot of people around me have been going Paleo for 30 days (even the doc) to see if eliminating dairy and grains clears up their issues -- even respiratory ones. Almost every single one says they have little to no allergy symptoms now (asthma/sinus), even though they didn't feel allergic to any foods. The doctor (and endocrinologist herself) was actually able to eliminate all her allergy meds after switching up her diet. She's now opening a practice focusing on these chronic issues and their link to nutrition, allergies, etc.

I haven't tried it myself, but am definitely considering it. It can't hurt.

Hang in there -- as Dfracassa said, there are lots of very good meds out there now for controlling asthma (many more than when I was a kid in the '70's / '80's), so don't give up.

As for running and exercise, once my symptoms were under control, I was able to really work on my breathing techniques during exercise (concentrating on breathing deeply in and out in a very regular pattern) and eventually to run often and far. I ran a 1/2 marathon last spring. I look like a fish when I do it, but it works.

Gurlyknockout

i have exercised induced asthma which means i suffer from
Coughing with asthma
Tightening of the chest
Wheezing
Unusual fatigue while exercising
Shortness of breath when exercising

I do have regular asthma but it only occurs when i'm having an allergy attack and i'm not getting enough air into my lungs.
I have to be very careful when exercising because if i'm in an area that has limited air flow, or has allergens in it that i'm allergic to, i can't breathe. My solution is using my inhaler, as well as taking an antihistamine so my lungs will open up better. I think the key is to slowly build up your workouts. i know because i am also overweight, the exercise induced asthma is also happening because i'm out of shape. So i slowly build up my cardio and practice deep breathing to prevent my face from getting really red.

Hopefully this helps??

^^^ I agree^^^ I have the same stuff going on. But I have learned that if I take Zyrtec everyday (2 pills instead of the recommended 1 (Dr prescribed). I have way LESS attacks!!! I just need to keep up on my meds, including my daily inhaler I should take (but dont due insurance co dont cover it and DD also has asthma. So she comes first).


But You can do anything and everything everyone else does but you need to know your triggers and how to prevent them and keep up on your meds. Know and listen to your body!

MaraDiaz

That said, I've also been hearing a lot lately (from a local doctor, some CrossFit trainers, and others) about how much diet can affect these "inflammatory" reactions. A lot of people around me have been going Paleo for 30 days (even the doc) to see if eliminating dairy and grains clears up their issues -- even respiratory ones. Almost every single one says they have little to no allergy symptoms now (asthma/sinus), even though they didn't feel allergic to any foods. The doctor (and endocrinologist herself) was actually able to eliminate all her allergy meds after switching up her diet. She's now opening a practice focusing on these chronic issues and their link to nutrition, allergies, etc.

Everyone is different, but low carb doesn't do a thing for my allergies/asthma as far as I can tell.

On days when the air quality is even near the yellow I'm sick and fatigued and short of breath. It's as simple as that.

TinaDay1114

I was a medic for 13 years, I have seen someone die of suffocation in front of me and not been able to do anything, because she thought her asthma wasn't bad.

^^^ Agreed. Take it slow, find a good doc who can help you control your asthma, and then work into things. You'll get there. But listen to your body.

In my 20's I had an asthma attack that was so bad I should've gone to the hospital -- but I was far away from home and scared, so didn't go. I also only had an old medication with me, something in capsule form that was not very effective. In hindsight, I was lucky. It took 3 days before I could sit down without feeling like I was going to suffocate. I shudder when I think about it.

trudance4

I have mod severe asthma, with allergies, exzema and hayfever and have had it my entire life. I have to take my inhalers before I work out everytime and sometimes during especially when doing cardio. I am also on countless other medications.

I still cant do an awful lot of cardio so I keep it light. I cant run at all because it induces my asthma and I always take an asthma attack. I tend to do light cardio and incorprate weights also because it is just not realistic for my health to be doing running or HIIT workouts.

I remember doing a bootcamp one morning, I made it through the class but had to stop near then end when I was starting to take an asthma attack. My mum freaked when she seen me, I was bright red and my lips had turned blue. I was ill for a week after that. It is just not worth it in the end.

I am sure there are others that can give you a better success story but unfornatly for me nothing has worked.

Thanks
Trudy

Vain_Witch

I have the same problem and wasn't able to work out at all form July until January. I'm now back up to over an hour on the treadmill at a time. What has worked for me is Singulair at night, Walgreens version of Allegra at night, and my albuterol inhaler 30 minutes before I work out. It has made SUCH a difference!

I do want to mention...I saw someone mentioned swimming as an option...please be VERY careful when trying this out!!! Chlorine can be a serious asthma trigger for some people and the risk should not be taken lightly. Outdoor pools are fine for me, but if I get anywhere NEAR an indoor pool, I have a MAJOR asthma attack!!!

jhalpin78

I have had pretty severe allergies and asthma for about 15 years. I find that when I exercise regularly, the asthma gets better, probably because my cardio system is in better shape. The main thing is to be careful, know your limits, and keep an inhaler with you when you exercise. If I know I'll be outside, I make sure I take a bunch of sudafed/claritin before hand -- don't wait for symptoms to develop.

Melodypharmon

I have had pretty bad asthma for most of my life. I also have a lot of allergies. I live in Ohio where my allergies tend to be really awful. I have found that in addition to medications doing a sinus rinse twice a day helps a lot. I have also found that sometimes it helps to exercise through my issues because it strengthens my lungs. Right now I have a bad sinus infection and my lungs were really acting up. As soon as I started back up on my treadmill my lungs calmed down. It will take a while to figure out what works for you, but just keep in good communication with your allergist.

MaraDiaz

I have had pretty bad asthma for most of my life. I also have a lot of allergies. I live in Ohio where my allergies tend to be really awful. I have found that in addition to medications doing a sinus rinse twice a day helps a lot. I have also found that sometimes it helps to exercise through my issues because it strengthens my lungs. Right now I have a bad sinus infection and my lungs were really acting up. As soon as I started back up on my treadmill my lungs calmed down. It will take a while to figure out what works for you, but just keep in good communication with your allergist.

I feel bad for you. The only place I ever felt sicker than here was Ohio, and that was just driving through!

black_cats

bumping, as a lifelong Asthmatic I'm keen to know how everyone manages their asthma and exersise

kendib

I have had asthma since I was 2 and have been on allergy shots the works.

The asthma/allergy specialist I see found some research that shows Vitamin D3 helps with allergy symptoms. I take 5,000IU daily for the past couple of years. I have stopped taking allergy shots, reduced the nub and only need a small over the counter allergy pill for about 2 weeks in the spring when the pollen levels are really high.

For asthma, I have found that everyone is different. At last test I have about 70% use of my lungs. With that I am still running, the key for me is when I use my rescue inhailer, I use mine 30min-1hour prior to exercise. Running for me is more about training by lungs and learning how to breathe correctly. But needless to say there are still some days I can't run very well.

Good Luck. I hope you get some good answers.

junip1977

I have both regular asthma and exercise induced asthma. What I do is I take my rescue inhaler 30 minutes before a workout and that usually helps. As for controlling my asthma on a daily basis I use Dulera and love it as well. I also used to use Symbicort and that was great too. Your doctor might have to put you on a very short term steroid like maybe 3-4 days and it helps your lung recouperate. You will eventually feel better, just take it one day at a time.

MaraDiaz

By no means a guaranteed cure, but something to keep in mind:

http://www.webmd.com/asthma/features/asthma-and-cities-which-cities-ran-best

"Asthma experts say that geography can play a role in a person's asthma symptoms. Many of the cities that ranked well on the AAFA's survey were on the water. For instance, three of the ten better cities for asthma were on the coast in Florida."

I'm thinking about Seattle if I stay in the US.

LindaLou252

Great suggestions from everyone! I just wanted to add...
I started running in the summer and loved it! I used my inhaler before and after runs and was getting along just fine, until... the weather turned cold. Then, I ended up in the ER twice. I didn't do any form of exercise for fear of another attack for approximately 8 weeks or so. That and my OB didn't recommend running r/t infertility issues... Pssshhh.... I just used that as an out, another excuse. Finally, after listening to my MFPals, I started doing some strength training, indoors! I still use my inhaler before and after, but it's a form of exercise I should've started a long time ago! I frickin' love it and my body is truly changing! I still plan on doing more running when it warms up b/c I also love that, but I realize I'll never be a marathon runner. Who has the time, anyway?! Lol! I currently do some cardio dvds, indoors, too. As far as weights go, I would suggest starting with Kelly Coffey-Meyers Weights b/c that's what I've started with :P
Regardless, asthma is not an excuse not to exercise. You have to find something that you can work with and adjust.
Good luck on your journey!

redladywitch

I also have asthma with allergies. I have to dust my walls and my ceilings twice a week. I wash the small area rugs twice a month. I actually hang a sheer curtain on my big bookshelves to help control the dust. Mold is an issue as well. I do quite a bit of housecleaning every day. I also had to remove my pets from my house. No more animals for me.

I can remember when I could only walk for two minutes and be out of breath from asthma. I was on steroids for two weeks out of every month for nearly three years. I was hospitalized for five days from asthma two years ago. I can certainly empathize with you.

Even though I no longer take steroids with the frequency that I used to, I am still taking medications for the asthma. I have also used herbal tinctures. I irrigate my sinuses with a saline solution every night which helps as well. I ended up having sinus surgery because of chronic sinus infections....which happens to exasperate asthma .

I can offer you some hope when it comes to exercise with asthma. Don't give up or feel you will not be able to exercise again. Just take it slow and keep at it. If you can only walk for two minutes at a time, that is OK. Walk for two minutes and then rest. Repeat it and keep going.

Yesterday my fitbit said that I walked 7399 steps and that I traveled 2.8 miles. I never thought that would happen and it did.

theflyingdachshund

I've been diagnosed with asthma pretty much all of my life, but it worsened in high school to the point where I got winded walking up a flight of stairs. Getting my asthma in control meant giving up my pet birds, going on inhaled corticosteroids, and patience. I've also had 7 or so years of allergy shots. It's important to take your meds as directed and to get your flu, pneumococcal, etc. vaccines.

Initially I started using an eliptical-always with my rescue inhaler in the cup holder- I could set my own speed and slow down or stop whenever I wanted. As you build confidence/depending on your symptoms, experiment with other activities. Everyone is different. Give it time. Monitor your symptoms using a peak flow meter, if you have one. I will say that currently I ride horses (even in the dusty, hay-filled barn), do Zumba, lift weights, etc. without much of a problem.

jabberjaws77

That's where I live, Ohio....lol

mq68

I have exercise induced asthma... a few family members have it worse. I haven't used an inhaler in over a year because I didn't want to believe my Dr... or past Dr.s ... but there it was after a fitbodybootcamp workout last week that only lasted 35 minutes...

I usually go for walks/runs, do treadmills, stair master, and cardio videos but only for 5 minutes extreme... and then I slow down the pace and bring my level back up 3/5 minutes later.

I need to go back to my new fav Dr. who actually listened to me the first time. I also have allergies but I have been doing a tablespoon of local honey a day and what a difference! yes, I still get watery eyes and slight stuffy nose on occasion BUT nothing compared to what it was before:)

I have allergies to many foods and because I got blood work done on my food allergies, I got answers! I cut all of it out of my diet and have lost 65 lbs in 8 1/2 months.
Next I am going to do environmental allergies. I know I am not allergic to ragweed... LOL... that will be my next project!

GL I hope you find your answers! the answers are what will propel you into a better healthy YOU!

MaraDiaz

That's where I live, Ohio....lol

Move. No seriously, move.

Penelope2738

JACKIE Joyner-Kersee!!!!!! She is a fantastic athlete, and also suffers from severe asthma. Google her, and I am sure you will be encouraged. I also have asthma, but not as severe. Exercising with asthma is frustrating and scary. go easy on yourself!

shewearsfunnyhat

I have had asthma and allergies since I was little. Its basically under control now except when the junipers are pollinating.
Swimming is a good exercise for people with asthma and allergies. The humidity helps keep the lungs clear. I also suggest using your rescue inhaler before workouts if you are having problems breathing during cardio. Talk to you allergist about your exercise plan and goals.They can help you develop a good plan for your goals.

jabberjaws77

. Wow!! There is a lot of great info on here, thanks everybody! I currently take a singulair at night & the doctor does have me on the symbicort inhaler as well as a steroidal nasal spray. I haven't been on the meds long, but I think I'm starting to tell a bit of a difference. The allergies I've developed are year round, ragweed, tree pollen, & dust mites, dust mites being the severe one, & of course being winter, dust is worse, & we have a fireplace (EVEN WORSE)!!!
My doctor told me my sinuses are so messed up that they may require surgery if the meds don't end up working. She did tell me the immunotherapy was an option too.
Does anybody use an air purifier with hepa filtration & if so, does it help? My doctor did suggest that I invest in a good one well as pillow, mattress, & box spring allergen covers. Just seems like a lot of stuff to have to buy, especially with the extra expense of having to take these extra prescriptions each month.
Does anyone know if the store brand allergy medicine works as well as the singulair? I've heard it's the same ingredient just different dosages. My insurance doesn't cover very much (if any) of the singulair.