HELP! - Losing weight with Exercise-induced asthma

bellasissa
bellasissa Posts: 1 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've never been officially diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma, but I've had the symptoms for at least 12 years, and my doctor suggested this was the problem. I'm not obese or anything, but I am overweight.

I need to lose fat (about 30 lbs) and gain muscle (about 15 lbs) but running is totally out of the picture. It's just not possible. I can only do cardio exercises such as jumping jacks for a short time, and run for even less. So far, the only effective cardio that doesn't make my lungs feel like they're about to explode is the elliptical. I understand that building muscle in itself will burn more calories in the long run, but that's not all it will take to lose weight.

Just to make this clear, I am a flute player of 15 years with a large lung capacity. I know a lot of my problem comes from being out of shape. But even while I was in decent shape in HS, I was always the last girl running during volleyball practice (even though my legs could handle much more).

Has anyone else overcome this obstacle and, if so, how have you done it? What cardio exercises won't make my lungs explode? I have very little motivation to start exercising because my lack of endurance so discouraging.

Is it possible to completely overcome and eradicate any trace of this form of asthma using nutrition and exercise? I have one albuterol inhaler sample my doctor gave me a long time ago (have no idea where it is and I don't plan on using it). I don't have a family doctor anymore, and since I'd rather not be diagnosed, I won't be taking anything for it.

Thanks in advance for all your help!
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Replies

  • reenhern
    reenhern Posts: 1 Member
    hi.....I know how you feel....I have had asthma since I was 4...its not exercise induced just got it as a child and seemed to get worse the older I got..im 34 now..i have been a long distance runner outdoors for 16 years now...asthma is horrible when it comes to exercising but I was not going to let it stop me....I learned to control it....I take two inhalers a daily inhaler and I have a rescue inhaler for emergencies but my asthma is completely controlled while exercising...I do have flare ups here and their cause of weather, allergies....but nothing major....I feel you should have your doctor prescribe you an inhaler to take daily even nasal spray helps with breathing....it will make a big difference...but don't give up...
  • dcswart
    dcswart Posts: 1 Member
    Years ago, I had exercise induced asthma. I had to use an albuterol inhaler every time I exercised. Later I came to realize that my symptoms were worse when I exercised outside. A lot of my symptoms went away after years of allergy injections for environmental allergens (grass and tree pollens, etc.). In other words, many of my asthma problems weren't EXERCISE induced, they were ALLERGY induced. So give that some thought, just in case that might be contributing to your problem. Also, consider this . . . for some people, including me, caffeinated coffee is helpful in opening the airways. Try drinking it right before you exercise and see if it helps.
  • robinepope
    robinepope Posts: 1
    I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma in college. The doctor said I probably had it all of my life. I was never able to run either. I remember telling my mom in grade school that I sound like the kids with asthma when I ran (we ran alot in PE) and she assured me that I did not have asthma! She was obviously wrong. My point is, after I started taking singulair daily and albuterol before exercising, I was finally able to run! I enjoyed it! Everytime I've been a healthy weight, I was running. I'm starting to run again. Infact, I just went and got fresh perscription refills so I can start asap! So, perhaps you should get the official diagnosis and start taking meds for your condition. Even if you don't run, it will make all of your other fitness activities easier on your lungs! :smile:
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    Yup. I don't get it. Why wouldn't you take your medication if you're sick? I use one to two puffs of my inhaler prior to exercise and have never been fitter. And I know the feeling of my lungs quitting and the whole body just feeling drained and super fatigued when my legs still have plenty of fight left. It's interesting that you mention you're probably out of shape in addition to needing the inhaler. Now after a few years of exercising regularly, I could probably do without the inhaler but have no real interest in finding out :laugh:

    I can see focusing on nutrition for general health but personally, not for an ailment. Seems like unnecessary misery, to me. You could really reach your potential if you take your medicine
  • rie_q
    rie_q Posts: 73
    Inhaler and walking, even if you can't run.

    I have asthma, and I have to take 2 - 3 puffs of my inhaler before I exercise, and I have to keep it on me and usually need it during my run too. I was initially told that my asthma is exercise-induced, but I now know that it's not purely that (as I can be sitting still and suddenly have my throat/lungs "close up" and need my puffer). That said, even if I can't find my puffer, my asthma is mild enough that I can usually "walk it out".
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    Years ago, I had exercise induced asthma. I had to use an albuterol inhaler every time I exercised. Later I came to realize that my symptoms were worse when I exercised outside. A lot of my symptoms went away after years of allergy injections for environmental allergens (grass and tree pollens, etc.). In other words, many of my asthma problems weren't EXERCISE induced, they were ALLERGY induced. So give that some thought, just in case that might be contributing to your problem. Also, consider this . . . for some people, including me, caffeinated coffee is helpful in opening the airways. Try drinking it right before you exercise and see if it helps.

    ha! i was going to say this as well. i was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma but turns out it was a wheat that was the culprit.
  • GiveMeCoffee
    GiveMeCoffee Posts: 3,556 Member
    I have severe asthma, COPD, and well just say my lungs and airways have some major issues. One if you were given medicine for it there's a reason. But, the best thing I've done for my breathing issues, is slowly increase my cardio. In March I would ride my stationary bike for 5 minutes. Using my nebulizer before and after, next week did that twice a day, then started increasing 1 minute a week.

    Now about 9 months later, and 93 lbs lighter, I can ride over 30 miles at a time, I can run 5 miles. I still use my inhaler or nebulizer before and sometimes after, sometimes during depending on how hard I push myself. But I also listen to my body, if I know I'm having a bad breathing day, I train at home. If it's not too bad I get out on my bike or go for a run.

    Also as people have told you it might not be exercise induced, it may be allergen induced, or it might just be out of shape and easily winded.
  • davert123
    davert123 Posts: 1,568 Member
    I developed Asthma after getting swine flu a couple of years ago :-(. I take Ventolin before I exercise and it keeps off the asthma most of the time. The fitter I get the less the Asthma affects me as well which is very positive.
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    I've never been officially diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma, but I've had the symptoms for at least 12 years, and my doctor suggested this was the problem. I'm not obese or anything, but I am overweight.

    I need to lose fat (about 30 lbs) and gain muscle (about 15 lbs) but running is totally out of the picture. It's just not possible. I can only do cardio exercises such as jumping jacks for a short time, and run for even less. So far, the only effective cardio that doesn't make my lungs feel like they're about to explode is the elliptical. I understand that building muscle in itself will burn more calories in the long run, but that's not all it will take to lose weight.

    Just to make this clear, I am a flute player of 15 years with a large lung capacity. I know a lot of my problem comes from being out of shape. But even while I was in decent shape in HS, I was always the last girl running during volleyball practice (even though my legs could handle much more).

    Has anyone else overcome this obstacle and, if so, how have you done it? What cardio exercises won't make my lungs explode? I have very little motivation to start exercising because my lack of endurance so discouraging.

    Is it possible to completely overcome and eradicate any trace of this form of asthma using nutrition and exercise? I have one albuterol inhaler sample my doctor gave me a long time ago (have no idea where it is and I don't plan on using it). I don't have a family doctor anymore, and since I'd rather not be diagnosed, I won't be taking anything for it.

    Thanks in advance for all your help!

    I really don't think "nutrition" is going to fix your asthma. Exercise IS going to be hard without some sort of medication at least short term, and I DO say this from experience.

    I was diagnosed with asthma 15 years ago after a virus while pregnant with my daughter. I spent probably 10 years occasionally using an inhaler, but I am pretty sure they expired before they were empty. About 2-3 years ago I got bronchitis over Labor day weekend...and ended up spending 4 MONTHS trying to get my breathing under control. I had bronchitis or an asthma flare continuously during that time, and needed 4 rounds of prednisone/anitbiotics. My breathing was so bad that I had to pull over while driving my kids home one day because I started coughing and my world got a little fuzzy around the edges!!! When I finally got things under control I was on advair, singulair and albuterol. I used them religiously for over a year. My asthma specialist told me to use 2 puffs of albuterol before I did my cardio...and I do it religiously. I used to be a major cardio bunny, and there were times that I felt better AFTER I got done than before--because the albuterol kicked in while I was on the treadmill or elliptical.

    In the last 9 months I have been able to drop 2 of my asthma medications, and have only had 1 episode when I really thought I was in trouble. That was my first session with a new trainer, and the intensity of our workout was too high. I started wheezing, but I was able to just concentrate on breathing and stop it before it got bad. Just the other day I was doing sprints on the treadmill at 6mph, and my legs were giving out before my lungs!!
  • hoyalawya2003
    hoyalawya2003 Posts: 631 Member
    Please reconsider the inhaler--you should always carry a rescue inhaler with you. People die from asthma attacks. I am not trying to be a scare monger, but at the very least you could damage your lungs by refusing to use medication.

    I have exercise-induced asthma, and have never been able to run, even when I was a normal weight in high school. I have been able to slowly increase my cardio by first a walking program (to work up to walking a 5k) and elliptical. I have now started c25k, and I am jogging, which I thought would be impossible for me. I don't know if I will be able to finish, but I am going to try, and will go as slow as I need to to build up my endurance.

    In addition to cardio, I highly recommend weight training. Doesn't bother my asthma at all, and has made a huge difference in my body and I am still a newbie using circuit machines.
  • tms96
    tms96 Posts: 1
    Having had asthma (induced by exercise, allergies & illness) for 30 years I understand the fear of asthma attacks and the preference to avoid at all costs. What your lungs need is strengthening. Start by walking, and DEFINITELY take your inhaler before you start. Soon you will be walking further, and with any other type of exercise the more you do it the more you are able to do. I have started running (I run about as fast as a sloth - but I run); I am definitely not in top shape but intervals help. I always hit that 'my lungs will explode' point and I have found if I persevere just a tad more, my lungs catch-up and it gets better and I feel amazing!
  • MissSarahAllison315
    MissSarahAllison315 Posts: 263 Member
    I have had exercise induced asthma since I got diagnosed at age 11 during track season (hard way to find that out lol!). I take two puffs of my inhaler before I work out, and more as necessary. I've tried to wean myself off it, but am unable to. I know the feeling! Just start slow and up the cardio as you go. I've been able to "train" (silly sounding I know) to be able to handle the deep breathing which you already have from flute playing. If you have an inhaler, use it! If not, GET ONE! Seriously helps SO MUCH. Good luck! :)
  • melm1019
    melm1019 Posts: 4
    Yes definitely get an inhaler. Don't stress out your lungs, you need them. Asthma at its worst is so terrible you shouldn't risk aggravating the condition. I also have exercise induced asthma, can't run, but can do the elliptical. I think because the elliptical has a smooth motion that makes it easier to manage breathing. My doctor tells me to take one puff of albuterol 15 minutes before exercise and one right before I begin. Because of my asthma I also get terrible migraines from exercise. I find it so difficult to breath that it stresses the blood flow in my head and sometimes the headaches last 2 days. Not good when I'm trying to lose weight.

    Because of this I focus heavily on breathing deeply and consistently while doing cardio. I've also found that each week increasing the amount of time I exercise by 5 minutes works great.
  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    I've never been officially diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma, but I've had the symptoms for at least 12 years, and my doctor suggested this was the problem. I'm not obese or anything, but I am overweight.

    I need to lose fat (about 30 lbs) and gain muscle (about 15 lbs) but running is totally out of the picture. It's just not possible. I can only do cardio exercises such as jumping jacks for a short time, and run for even less. So far, the only effective cardio that doesn't make my lungs feel like they're about to explode is the elliptical. I understand that building muscle in itself will burn more calories in the long run, but that's not all it will take to lose weight.

    Just to make this clear, I am a flute player of 15 years with a large lung capacity. I know a lot of my problem comes from being out of shape. But even while I was in decent shape in HS, I was always the last girl running during volleyball practice (even though my legs could handle much more).

    Has anyone else overcome this obstacle and, if so, how have you done it? What cardio exercises won't make my lungs explode? I have very little motivation to start exercising because my lack of endurance so discouraging.

    Is it possible to completely overcome and eradicate any trace of this form of asthma using nutrition and exercise? I have one albuterol inhaler sample my doctor gave me a long time ago (have no idea where it is and I don't plan on using it). I don't have a family doctor anymore, and since I'd rather not be diagnosed, I won't be taking anything for it.

    Thanks in advance for all your help!

    I excercise with asthma and get exercised induced as well (got it right now after 75 minutes on the exercise bike pumping out 4 x 6 intervals at 250 watts/180 HR).

    I have been taking Singulair on a daily basis for a decade and WOW - it works for me. I tried inhalers the prior decade and hated them. I do have a rescue inhaler (albuterol). I find if I puff it before I exercise, I get severe nausea during the exercise - so I usually don't use it until afterwards if ever.

    My exercise induced asthma usually subsides a few hours after working out really hard. I race mountain bikes, so 9 times out of 10 following a race I will have the induced asthma. But it does not bother me during exercise. I do hack and cough up stuff on the way home for an hour or two, but then it goes away. I'm fairly used to it so I don't panic.

    I would guess once you get into better cardio shape, it will subside and be more manageable. Something like cycling is less lung burning than running in the initial stages and is low impact on the knees and back to help you cut weight. Running is hard and a much higher heart rate endeavor than cycling, so you might consider spinning on the exercise bike or a real bike to do your cardio work.

    You should consult a top notch pulmonologist to get the best care and plan for managing your asthma.

    Interesting about your flute playing. I've sung professional opera for decades. Our professions are not the best choice for asthma. ;-)
  • bribrijean234
    bribrijean234 Posts: 90 Member
    I've had exercise induced asthma all my life. When I was younger I played basketball and did a lot of intense dance classes. It never went way completely but as long as I stayed active and slowly worked up on endurance/stamina I was able to push myself further. That being said I always kept my rescue inhaler on hand and used it as necessary. Fast forward to today, and I'm back to using the inhaler before exercise. Every night I do 40-80 minutes of Zumba and I'm noticing that I don't have to stop as much between songs anymore to catch my breath. So trust me if you take your time and slowly build your endurance, it's possible to do a lot more than you can now. Remember: baby steps. Do a little today, and tomorrow go just a tiny bit further and so on. Just please use that inhaler or at least keep it on hand incase you need it!
  • fleetzz
    fleetzz Posts: 962 Member
    My 10 year old has asthma (all the time, not just with exercise). He runs with me. We are doing a 10K next month. If your asthma affects your physical activity see a doctor. They can actually help you.

    However, if you just want to lose weight without having to do cardio--lift heavy, eat at a deficit. You don't have to exercise to lose weight. You do have to exercise to prevent "skinny fat".
  • Rayman79
    Rayman79 Posts: 2,009 Member
    I have one albuterol inhaler sample my doctor gave me a long time ago (have no idea where it is and I don't plan on using it). I don't have a family doctor anymore, and since I'd rather not be diagnosed, I won't be taking anything for it.

    Thanks in advance for all your help!

    This sums it up for me. You can not deal with it properly if you do not first define the problem.

    This is not coming from theory either, I was a chronic asthma sufferer (as a child had to carry a portable ventilator machine around with me). Over the years it did get a little better, but I always suffered in the spring, and when I would exercise.

    Getting fitter helped me enormously! I now have only used my inhaler once or twice in the past couple of years. To get to this point though, I had to use medication to allow me to cope with the exercise. I could exert myself knowing that I had the inhaler there - I would not have done the exercise at all otherwise, I'd have been to scared of the consequences.

    Like with anything medical, not having it diagnosed doesn't there's no problem, it just means you are ignoring it.
  • VelveteenArabian
    VelveteenArabian Posts: 758 Member
    You need to get on the right meds. I have EIA and I can run, dance, etc. The meds help delay the asthma and then you have to train your endurance. You'll need to find out how hard you can work out to set off your asthma then work out at just UNDER that level. Over time, it improves.

    I'm on Singulair once a day. Wonder drug. I have to be in really adverse conditions (too hot/cold/humid pretty much) before it kicks in.
  • Indiri13
    Indiri13 Posts: 104 Member
    I have EIA. With an inhaler I can run but without it, no way. I do Zumba and don't usually need it but if it's been bothering me then a preventative puff about 15 minutes before hand can help.

    Anything that doesn't require breathing really hard is no problem. I can hike and walk, lifting weights is fine. You can do anything but you just have to find your limits and decide if you want an inhaler to help you out to do more.
  • Maleficent0241
    Maleficent0241 Posts: 386 Member
    I have one albuterol inhaler sample my doctor gave me a long time ago (have no idea where it is and I don't plan on using it). I don't have a family doctor anymore, and since I'd rather not be diagnosed, I won't be taking anything for it.

    Thanks in advance for all your help!

    This sums it up for me. You can not deal with it properly if you do not first define the problem.

    This is not coming from theory either, I was a chronic asthma sufferer (as a child had to carry a portable ventilator machine around with me). Over the years it did get a little better, but I always suffered in the spring, and when I would exercise.

    Getting fitter helped me enormously! I now have only used my inhaler once or twice in the past couple of years. To get to this point though, I had to use medication to allow me to cope with the exercise. I could exert myself knowing that I had the inhaler there - I would not have done the exercise at all otherwise, I'd have been to scared of the consequences.

    Like with anything medical, not having it diagnosed doesn't there's no problem, it just means you are ignoring it.

    Totally agree here. Why would you rather not be diagnosed? Are you worried about insurance issues with it? Ignoring the problem won't make it go away - you need to find out what your issue is, and if it is indeed EIA, you need to treat it. An extended warm up and lower intensity can help to a degree, but really medication is probably going to be needed. At the very least, having a rescue inhaler on hand is a must. I am no longer on any dailies, but I do take albuterol from time to time. I have run some marathons with asthma as have many others, and while not everyone will or can, having asthma doesn't necessarily exclude you from running.

    P.S. - Flute and picc player here for 22 years. Nice choice in instrument :)
  • workout_junkee
    workout_junkee Posts: 473 Member
    Sorry, but this is not even safe. Asthma is not something to mess with. Why not diagnose it.

    I have it, use and inhaler and it is fine. I am a long distance runner, do HIIT workouts, lift, ect.

    There 're several Olympians with exercise induced asthma. They would not be were they are today without treatment.
  • summer8it
    summer8it Posts: 433 Member
    Please reconsider the inhaler--you should always carry a rescue inhaler with you. People die from asthma attacks. I am not trying to be a scare monger, but at the very least you could damage your lungs by refusing to use medication.

    I completely agree with this! And so will your doctor -- any doctor will give you a prescription for albuterol (or another sample inhaler) if you tell them you sometimes experience asthma symptoms. They expire after a while (1-2 years) so you should replace it periodically even if you haven't used it.

    I developed asthma as an adult after a respiratory infection. Allergies and exercising in the cold were both triggers, but regular exercise resulted in a HUGE improvement in my asthma. I almost never have any symptoms now (once a year, perhaps), but I still carry an inhaler in my purse, just in case.

    As others have mentioned, getting the right treatment and taking medication allowed me to do the exercise that in turn improved my symptoms enough that I no longer needed medicine.
  • butterfli7o
    butterfli7o Posts: 1,319 Member
    Why in the world wouldn't you use an inhaler? I have allergy-induced asthma and make sure mine is on me at all times, just in case. It makes a world of difference. Not being able to breathe is the worst feeling in the world.
  • Mr_Excitement
    Mr_Excitement Posts: 833 Member
    I've had asthma since I was a little kid as well-- even went to the hospital on a few occasions. The symptoms slowly disappeared as I got into better shape, but I still keep an inhaler with me. Certain (non-exercise) things will still irritate it.

    As you mentioned, weight loss itself will probably help tremendously, and you can lose all the weight you want by just eating the right amount of calories. If a 30 minute walk, four times a week, doesn't irritate your asthma, you can add that as well. But keep your inhaler with you.

    You can always try jogging or some other more intense exercise after you've brought your weight down, if you're so inclined. That's what I did, but I had to use my inhaler every single time.
  • qtgonewild
    qtgonewild Posts: 1,930 Member
    yep i have to hit the inhaler before i walk in the gym or ill be sorry.
  • Amanda_Gx6
    Amanda_Gx6 Posts: 320 Member
    My sister has exercise induced asthma along with climate induced asthma and she does Barre (spelling?) like the ballet workouts. She has seen great results and loves it.
  • Mr_Excitement
    Mr_Excitement Posts: 833 Member
    You need to get on the right meds. I have EIA and I can run, dance, etc. The meds help delay the asthma and then you have to train your endurance. You'll need to find out how hard you can work out to set off your asthma then work out at just UNDER that level. Over time, it improves.

    I'm on Singulair once a day. Wonder drug. I have to be in really adverse conditions (too hot/cold/humid pretty much) before it kicks in.

    I was switched over to one called Dulera, which is non-albuterol (and incredible). The albuterol inhalers tended to give me bronchitis, since they weren't as strong and I had to use them too much. :P
  • VelveteenArabian
    VelveteenArabian Posts: 758 Member
    You need to get on the right meds. I have EIA and I can run, dance, etc. The meds help delay the asthma and then you have to train your endurance. You'll need to find out how hard you can work out to set off your asthma then work out at just UNDER that level. Over time, it improves.

    I'm on Singulair once a day. Wonder drug. I have to be in really adverse conditions (too hot/cold/humid pretty much) before it kicks in.

    I was switched over to one called Dulera, which is non-albuterol (and incredible). The albuterol inhalers tended to give me bronchitis, since they weren't as strong and I had to use them too much. :P

    I actually don't use an inhaler at all. I have one (albuterol) but the only thing it did was make my mouh taste like pennies. Never helped my EIA. Singulair takes it away almost completely.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Why wouldn't you take your medication?
  • hearthemelody
    hearthemelody Posts: 1,025 Member
    Lifting weights makes me regulate my breathing but not gasp for air like cardio.

    Check out Stronglifts 5x5.

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