Asthma & Allergy Sufferers......

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  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
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    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
    LindaLou252 Posts: 106
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    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
    redladywitch Posts: 799 Member
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    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
    theflyingdachshund Posts: 6
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    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
    jabberjaws77 Posts: 72 Member
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    That's where I live, Ohio....lol
  • mq68
    mq68 Posts: 118 Member
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    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
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
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    That's where I live, Ohio....lol

    Move. No seriously, move.
  • Penelope2738
    Penelope2738 Posts: 66 Member
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    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
    shewearsfunnyhat Posts: 24 Member
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    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
    jabberjaws77 Posts: 72 Member
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    . 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.
  • jabberjaws77
    jabberjaws77 Posts: 72 Member
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    That's where I live, Ohio....lol

    Move. No seriously, move.


    I'd LOVE to move out west or to Alaska...but it's not really an option right now.....& eeeeeww how I loathe Ohio humidity!
  • LisaGirlfriend
    LisaGirlfriend Posts: 493 Member
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    I have cold & exercise induced asthma and allergies to many environmental things. I use a steroid nasal spray every night, and Symbicort or my rescue inhaler 1/2 hour before I exercise. Usually works for me and I can get through the workout fine. I also have to use it when walking in very cold weather. I also use Reactine when my allergies are bothering me during the day due to ragweed, etc. It's a drag but I've learned how to deal with it.
  • Brianna72994
    Brianna72994 Posts: 887
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    I have really bad asthma and I am still able to work out. Unfortunately there's not much you can do about it. All I can say is, keep your inhaler with you when you work out. And my doctor also told me that cold weather can trigger symptoms also. He suggested using a scarf to cover my mouth and nose (not too tight!) when I am outside in the cold for long periods of time. It really helps. So if you jog in the cold, try to cover the mouth and nose area.


    I'm also allergic to dust mites, like you. I bought a dust cover for my mattress and pillows and it worked great! I don't wake up in the middle of the night to use my inhaler anymore. And I can actually breathe when I wake up!
  • incredigirl
    incredigirl Posts: 2 Member
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    I have the same thing but with my inhalers I am able to still exercise! maybe not start just yet but you will know yourself when your body is feeling stronger with the medication. When you are ready, take your inhaler b4 exercising and it will help you! Dont let this stop you! :)
  • bicoastalgirl
    bicoastalgirl Posts: 85 Member
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    i was diagnosed with moderate asthma when i was in high school. it has never prohibited me from participating in activities i enjoy once i got it under control (it took a while to find the right med for me). now, i run and do various cardio / circuit training dvds.

    everyone is different. i actually have an easier time running in cold weather v. high humidity.
  • heatherdawn007
    heatherdawn007 Posts: 15
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    I was born with asthma and was on allergy shots for several years when I was a child. My mom also has asthma, and she started using all herbal treatments for her and me and my siblings when I was a teenager. I did *ok* on herbs, but once I moved out, decided I preferred taking inhalers. I have a rescue inhaler, Albuterol, and a maintenance inhaler, Symbicort, that I take morning and night. I always take my rescue inhaler before cardio, but the biggest motivation for me is not ever wanting to let myself use asthma as an excuse. The best thing for building up my cardio endurance was swimming laps and running sprints - 30 seconds at 8 to 9 mph on the tradmill, and then 30 seconds to catch my breath. I usually run sprints for 10-30 minutes at least once a week, and do a 2-3 mile jog on Saturdays at a slower pace. Since adding sprints into my workouts, my cardio has improved dramatically. The elliptical is also great for cardio and doesn't seem to knock me out of breath as quickly.
  • deniseandjelich
    deniseandjelich Posts: 25 Member
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    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 :)

    I have had allergies my entire life, I used to only take medication on an as needed basis, if i was having a bad day. However, i noticed that i would develop a full on head cold frequently. I have been taking medication daily for 2 years and have not become sick! My allergies are constantly changing. When i was younger, i had seasonal spring allergies, Now, my bad times are summer and fall. I have never had asthma though, so i can not speak on that.

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