Exercise-Induced Asthma

I have exercise induced asthma as well. Didn't really bother me in the past, simply because I didn't really exercise! Once I got serious though, my asthma definitely flared up.

I have an inhaler that I keep in my gym bag and my doctor recommended that I take a puff of the inhaler BEFORE I even start running. Something about giving it time to work before my breathing gets bad or something...I forgot the exact reasoning but it made sense to me . Then, if I still have a hard time breathing while I'm working out, I can take another puff mid-workout. So far it's been working pretty well. Some days are better than others but I am definitely not using the inhaler as much as I was a couple of months ago. I am also up to being able to run for 2 miles straight without feeling like my lungs are going to collapse. Asthma is an obstacle but hopefully one you can overcome and run your marathon one day!!

I also have it, and was given an inhaler to take 15 minutes prior to any exercise and every 4 to 6 as needed. I have noticed that if I don't take it before, my runs turn into a breathing obstacle. Sadly, mine is genetic (COPD runs in my family both sides) and my weight is a contributing factor. The best advice I can give that has worked for me as been if my chest is feeling too much i literally walk until my breathing settles down and then go back to running. It kicks up a lot during the hot weather, so i tend to wait until evening or morning to run. I can run sometimes 3.2 miles or even up to 4 without it kicking in, but sometimes i can't.

Any other advice would help

I had a severe sinus infection in January, that's when the doctor diagnosed me with exercise induced asthma. I take advair and depending on my dose I can talk to my doctor to either up it or lower it. I take that twice a day, every day. I have an inhaler in my gym bag and carry one in my purse. I started the Couch to 5K and had trouble getting past week 3. My doctor explained to keep doing as much as I can and to work my way up. It has been working.

I was diagnosed with adult onset and exercise induced asthma when I was in my early 20's. I'm in my 40's now. I've struggled with it all that time, but I've run 3 marathons and thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. You have to work to identify what triggers your asthma, and figure out what works best as far as using the inhaler. I find that running for a few minutes and then walking and completely catching my breath before starting to run again helps to lessen flare-ups. As others have suggested, use the inhaler about 15 minutes before exercise. I know asthma has hurt my performance. I have to run really slow and I've been through some pretty trying days, wheezing, chest pain, etc. I just never wanted it to stop me so I've learned to deal with. At the same time, you need to know your limits. Asthma can be fatal and you have to take it seriously. I never run without my inhaler, I never leave my house without my inhaler for that matter. There were times where I couldn't get an attack under control even with using the inhaler multiple times, so I stopped exercising immediately. And try different inhalers. I've had better luck with some over others.

Old thread but wanted to chime in. I was diagnosed with Exercise induced bronchiospasms (which is only slightly different?). Now, when I use the inhaler, I feel like I can breathe but the rest of me seems to get tired faster. Any suggestions?

I was so angry when I really finally realized that I wasn't just fat and out of shape, that something was wrong. I was half way through a cardio kickboxing class and loving it when a bad attack hit and I had to stop. The instructor suggested I stop and catch my breath then come back, but I have found if I have a full on attack, my chest is just too painful. Then I get coughing fits for the next two days as well as just sore lungs.