We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Exercise induced asthma, inhalers and running

BerryH
BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
edited January 29 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello to all my fellow wheezy runners.

For those of you who use a reliever inhaler for exercise induced asthma, rather than a preventer, how do you fit using it into your run? Can I use it before I start or do I need to wait until I start getting symptoms?

I start wheezing about 15 minutes into a hard-ish run, and would have to slow down and catch my breath before I could actually use my inhaler properly.

Am I reading too much into the "reliever" part and I don't actually have to wait until I sound like a 40-a-day smoker?

Replies

  • tigerlily8045
    tigerlily8045 Posts: 402 Member
    I use mine before I change into my workout clothes so that it is already working when I take off. My Dr told me that my specific inhaler takes about 15 min to get things completely open. So that's what I do. You might want to ask the dr or pharmacy how long it takes to work. Is it an emergency inhaler like it takes 2 min or a little slower like mine?
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Thanks! I checked it out and it can be used in advance and remains effective for 2-4 hours. More than enough for my run! And yes, it takes a couple of minutes to work.
  • MandyHa27
    MandyHa27 Posts: 4 Member
    I have a reliever as well and use it before I leave the house. So about 10 minutes before I start running as recommended by my doctor. It also helps if rather than going faster, I slow down a bit and go for a longer run instead.
  • amy_1987
    amy_1987 Posts: 45
    I use mine before I change into my workout clothes so that it is already working when I take off. My Dr told me that my specific inhaler takes about 15 min to get things completely open. So that's what I do. You might want to ask the dr or pharmacy how long it takes to work. Is it an emergency inhaler like it takes 2 min or a little slower like mine?

    I do this too, two puffs of my blue inhaler whilst changing on doctor's orders. Otherwise I'm a wheezy mess too!
  • SJLS2013
    SJLS2013 Posts: 149 Member
    I don't have asthma anymore but when I did, I used to take it before I went running and then keep it with me (if possible)
  • otterheinman
    otterheinman Posts: 21
    I take my albuteral (2 puffs) and cortisol (1 of 160) 1/2 hour before I go per Dr orders.. and trial and error.

    I thought surely I wouldn't have to take it before, so I took it with me and used it once I started wheezing and huffing and puffing... no good!!

    Definitely do it before!! Great job!! I LOVE running and was so worried that my asthma would stop me. It's not!
  • aymenz
    aymenz Posts: 23 Member
    Before - absolutely before!! :o)
  • Veggiebeat
    Veggiebeat Posts: 26 Member
    Interesting. I have a rescue, albuterol inhaler and use it during a run, not before. I've found that my asthma is usually only a problem exercise-wise if I'm running outside, as opposed to running indoors or walking outside. (I still have indoor allergy-induced problems, but I assume that's unrelated.) Does anyone else have this exclusively outdoor running problem and had success with the preventative use of a rescue inhaler?
  • sjp_511
    sjp_511 Posts: 476 Member
    Interesting. I have a rescue, albuterol inhaler and use it during a run, not before. I've found that my asthma is usually only a problem exercise-wise if I'm running outside, as opposed to running indoors or walking outside. (I still have indoor allergy-induced problems, but I assume that's unrelated.) Does anyone else have this exclusively outdoor running problem and had success with the preventative use of a rescue inhaler?

    I only get wheezy if I run outside and it is really cold. In that case I use my inhaler beforehand. If I forget to use it beforehand or just don't think I need it, it still works well when the wheeziness kicks in.
  • Veggiebeat
    Veggiebeat Posts: 26 Member
    Maybe I'll try using it before. Thanks!
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Hello to all my fellow wheezy runners.

    For those of you who use a reliever inhaler for exercise induced asthma, rather than a preventer, how do you fit using it into your run? Can I use it before I start or do I need to wait until I start getting symptoms?

    I start wheezing about 15 minutes into a hard-ish run, and would have to slow down and catch my breath before I could actually use my inhaler properly.

    Am I reading too much into the "reliever" part and I don't actually have to wait until I sound like a 40-a-day smoker?

    Search this forum for the last time this topic was covered, a lot of good info there. I know, I put a lot of it there. ;)

    Best of luck.
  • mkwongh
    mkwongh Posts: 279 Member
    agree with the peeps above.. i use mine before i head out :)
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    I use it before exercise too. A long slow warm up also helps me. I usually only have this problem when exercising in cold weather.
  • FauxAngel13
    FauxAngel13 Posts: 156 Member
    Interesting. I have a rescue, albuterol inhaler and use it during a run, not before. I've found that my asthma is usually only a problem exercise-wise if I'm running outside, as opposed to running indoors or walking outside. (I still have indoor allergy-induced problems, but I assume that's unrelated.) Does anyone else have this exclusively outdoor running problem and had success with the preventative use of a rescue inhaler?

    I am exclusively screwed if I run outside! I can do 8-12km on a treadmill but not even 4km outside and no luck with prevention or rescue inhalers
This discussion has been closed.

Categories