Asthma

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!