Asthma and Exercise

NatashaShen
NatashaShen Posts: 295 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have had asthma ever since I can remember. I know what aggravates it and I avoid certain things, like walks outside on cold days and being around dogs for long periods of time. But I came across this and had to laugh. It was one of those "duh" things.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/asthma/five-signs-exercise-is-causing-your-asthma.aspx?xid=aol_eh-asthma_2_20121126_&aolcat=AGW&icid=maing-grid7|aim|dl25|sec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D238103

Are you able to cope with asthma and exercise without meds? I am!

Replies

  • cheffernan1990
    cheffernan1990 Posts: 15 Member
    I used to always use asthma as my excuse for not exercising, but honestly the reason I struggled was because i was overweight and not using my inhalers properly. The cold used to effect my lungs bad too, but after seeing the doctor about this and changing inhalers i can now go for a run outside in winter if i want to and I exercise 4-5 times a week.
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    after 4 months straight last year of bronchitis and exacerbations, I am not even trying to exercise without my inhalers, etc. I use my advair and singulair daily as directed, and my RT told me to use my albuterol before exercise to make sure I don't have any problems
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    It is well known that certain types of athletes are more likely to have asthma than the general population -- swimmers, for example. Maybe it is because they are used to not having breath, so it bothers them less. Whatever the reason, asthma need not be an excuse for avoiding exercise.
  • AverageUkDude
    AverageUkDude Posts: 371 Member
    I have 'bad times' with my asthma when i have to take my medication, especially around high pollen times of the year/flu season.

    I used to have to use my inhalers (both types) daily, since starting a good cardio regime a year or two back I rarely have to use them :).

    I also always put eucalyptus in a warm bath at the end of the day when i have a cold/flu and I feel that helps.
  • Rk2448
    Rk2448 Posts: 1
    My son has asthma that had symptoms that would worsen during exercise. He stuck with running/soccer and now RARELY ever needs any medication. He believes that exercise increased his lung capabilities and actually helps with asthma. I would say, do not ignore symptoms. Take your meds as prescribed and workout as much as you can.
  • wellbur
    wellbur Posts: 240 Member
    I've had asthma all my life, and it has never stopped me doing any exercise, you just learn how to cope with it, I used to run 50 miles a week, have completed many 1/2 marathons and 1 London marathon.
  • Alkirra
    Alkirra Posts: 142 Member
    It is well known that certain types of athletes are more likely to have asthma than the general population -- swimmers, for example. Maybe it is because they are used to not having breath, so it bothers them less. Whatever the reason, asthma need not be an excuse for avoiding exercise.

    Ha Ha Ha I was told by the specialist back in the 1960's that swimming was Great! It would expand my lungs, help them pump the oxygen, (lungs that is) I ignored it smoked tobacco for 38 year drugs for about 10 in the middle of that and then i gave up, for the last 12 months I have done exercise in the water sometimes swimming. People are born with Asthma.

    I FEEL GREAT. Lungs are healing, my mind is gaining strength health is simply wonderful, good luck!
  • NatashaShen
    NatashaShen Posts: 295 Member
    You are so right, people are born with asthma. I always get aggravated when someone blames cigaret smoke for causing their asthma.

    When I first started cardio, I used my inhaler all the time. Now I have figured out how far I can push myself without using it. Its so much nicer to be able to control symptoms with breathing exercises and not the inhaler.
  • the_journeyman
    the_journeyman Posts: 1,877 Member
    Lifetime asthma suffer here as well. It can complicate things, but I have found that I can manage, and I've never been medicated for it, not even an inhaler. There are days it's a struggle to breathe, BUT I also try to do lung exercises when I walk to improve lung capacity and function and it has helped a good bit.

    JM

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