Asthma and Exercise

shiec92
shiec92 Posts: 688 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone, I was wondering if I could get some help...

I suffer with sport induced asthma (please don't tell me it's not real like many already have).
I've been walking a lot recently, but wondered if anybody had any advice or ideas on other things to try that May not affect this as much as other more intense activities.

I recently also had bronchitis, and not 100% that my chest has recovered after all the coughing and wheezing, but I want to give it ago.

Thanks In advance!

Replies

  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    I have asthma, but it's not exercise induced (thank goodness!). Have you tried using a rescue inhaler before you workout? Like, use it 15 minutes before and see if it prevents it kicking in so intensely you can't exercise.

    I have teammates that have exercise induced and they do a warm-up run (one lap, a couple hundred yards), then use the inhaler, then are able to participate in our team practice.
  • mandybear014
    mandybear014 Posts: 209 Member
    Hi,

    I have asthma, though not exercise-induced. On days I cannot exercise outside due to hot weather (or high pollen count, stupid allergies) I like to do water aerobics at the gym (indoors, AC, can't beat it). I have found it helps with my lung function/capacity and you can do it at whatever pace you are comfortable with.
  • alathIN
    alathIN Posts: 142 Member
    Talk to your doctor - and if you aren't getting help there, go to a pulmonologist.

    Any decent physician should be thrilled to have someone walk in and say "I need a tune-up on my asthma meds to support the higher level of activity I want to do."

    There is a lot that can be done with this.
  • Gidzmo
    Gidzmo Posts: 906 Member
    On days I cannot exercise outside due to hot weather (or high pollen count, stupid allergies) I like to do water aerobics at the gym (indoors, AC, can't beat it). I have found it helps with my lung function/capacity and you can do it at whatever pace you are comfortable with.

    Water also allows for the same resistance, but is kinder to joints than concrete is.
  • Sie_Con
    Sie_Con Posts: 101 Member
    I have asthma too. I've had asthma attacks from too much cardio out in the real world, but when I'm at the gym I can control what I choose to do, so it hasn't been a problem. I find that I can do cardio as long as I don't push it too much and do it in 20 minute bursts so I don't wear out my lungs too much. Also remember that breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth will help regulate your breathing. If you feel your throat start to tighten just take a short break and breath slowly and deeply, and of course use your inhaler if you need. Drinking plenty of water helps with everything also.
  • Willbenchforcupcakes
    Willbenchforcupcakes Posts: 4,955 Member
    I have asthma as well, and exercise is one of my triggers. I agree with using a dose of your rescue inhaler shortly before exercising. One thing I have noticed is the fitter I become, the less my asthma bothers me.
  • shiec92
    shiec92 Posts: 688 Member
    Thanks :)
    Might have to get a new gym membership soon to try a range of things where i can swap and change to suit how I'm feeling.
  • bowbeforethoraxis
    bowbeforethoraxis Posts: 138 Member
    I agree with everyone that's said to use your inhaler before the workout, that helps me a ton.

    Also, try different things! I've got exercise induced asthma, and I can do some things with absolutely no problem, but others cause asthma attacks almost instantly. For me, HIIT workouts cause an asthma attack Every Single Time, but I have no problem on the elliptical or lifting weights. I can do yoga and water aerobics and aqua zumba, but regular zumba causes asthma attacks about half the time, so I either go to zumba gold (the one for seniors that's less intense) or just skip it and lift.

    Good luck!
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    I agree with others. Get a rescue inhaler and use it before you start your work out. Cardiovascular exercise improved my asthma more than any medication ever could.

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