Asthma

Firewhirrrl · April 2011

I have recently (( 2 years ago))
Been diagnosed with asthma.
I have medication for it, but is has seriously affected my ability to do workouts( even when I medicate).

Is there a trick? I want to do a marathon at the end of this year, but my training schedule would have to be a little aggressive. I have the time and the knowledge to do it, and I have done it before, but now with asthma, seems I can hardly jog a 15 min pace without struggling for breath for 40 minutes afterwards.

Any advice??
What are you doing? How do you make it work?

Are you working heavily below your ability level to accommodate your lungs??

eeeekie · April 2011

I have asthma also. Mine is generally cold induced by it also is exercise induced sometimes. I haven't had an asthma attack in a very long time though. I count my lucky stars that I'm not severely affected by it as other people are. I read a blog awhile back on one of my sites...ill show you the link...

http://www.fitsugar.com/Fit-Tip-Asthma-Running-765470

Fitsugar is a great extension of Popsugar. I love their site and usually have great information.

iamthepreston · April 2011

I have exercise induced asthma, and ever since I was diagnosed I have been having problems. I was an avid runner, and started noticing I couldn't seem to catch my breath when I wasn't even pushing myself. Went and saw the Doc and since then I have suffered from panic attacks worrying I won't be able to breath if I run play sports etc...

It has been over 2 years since I ran but I am trying to get back into it, very slowly. Mine is mostly mental being that I am scared to push myself. I still feel like I am in good enough shape to knock out a 5k, but mind says I will suffocate.

Firewhirrrl · April 2011

I found what I already knew/feared. I will have to run at a more moderate pace.

Maybe I can still reach my goals? 6 months to marathon.??
Well, let's see what I can do.

I have a condition from working as a wildland firefighter, so the smoke has left me affected. Therefore, my condition is not allergy related, so some of the advice didn't apply (( sadly)).

But I did read that others did experience a strengthening in their lungs.
Maybe after time my condition will lessen?

Also; time of day and temperature was mentioned.
I'll play with this and see if there is some relief.
I'll be sure to clear my sinuses before I go, too.

Thanks for the link!!

Firewhirrrl · April 2011

Iamthepreston;
That is exactly the feeling I have. The fear of fighting for air.
I have also been an avid runner. It's so odd.
I am an adult, and it seemed to come from nowhere.
And now, I don't like to exercise. But I know I should.

So I will, but then it sucks.

So I guess the trick is to go easier and not push. And good god, walk if I have to.

(( walk??))
I had wanted to do a ten mile run in 5 weeks. I thought I should have easily Gotton ready for it.

Now I am not sure.
Guess I'll have to try. See what I can do. And stop when the wheezing starts.

CuteAndCurvy83 · April 2011

I have asthma and It's stress/cold/allergy/exercise induced I use Adviar and have for the past 4-5 years. I went from growing up spending every other week at the hospital to not seeing the hospital for years and years now. Talk with your doctor, from the sounds of it your asthma is not "well controled" also I have discovered that hopping in the pool and training my breathing (going under and holding my breath for as long as I can) have helped along with focusing on my breathing, I can breath myself out of most attacks now but just using some breathing exercises and focusing on my breathing.

NitaCB · April 2011

I developed exercise-induced asthma last year and I'm an avid runner. It has had a pretty massive effect on my running but I certainly haven't let it stop me. I find it usually affects me worst in races. I've had several asthma attacks in races, one so bad that I had to pull out halfway.

But I have recently done a race which was my first with no attack- and I managed that by pulling back when it got bad and working very hard on focussing on the positive, and not letting the possiblity of an attack even happen. You need to be aware of how much of an effect your thinking and subconscious has on it. I think the race where i had to pull out I partly set myself up for it to happen, because I was expecting one to happen, but at the end. If you are in a race, and you feel an attack coming on the most important thing you need to do is to try and relax and not let yourself panic. I find it particularly bad in races because of nerves and the pressure I have put on the race. The last thing you want after you've trained 10 weeks for a race is to have to pull out with an asthma attack! I try and be as relaxed and confident as I can.

As for regular maintenance... Well I can't exactly say I have it managed yet. I've been to a sports doctor, and I've been on 3 different inhalers twice a day, but I'm still not responding as I should. I'm on a waiting list to see a specialist at the moment. Beware of really cold air and fast accelerations - such as interval training- and hills. It's good to always try and have a steady warm-up. Also it's good to be aware that once the 'mast cells' have been released (often about 20min or so in) once they're done they can't actually release any more. The mast cells are what causes the airways to swell.

But take hope! It is totally possible to continue running well with asthma. The more you do the more you'll become aware of where your limits are and your thresholds. I can still run at a pretty good pace (I've done a 1.43 half and I'm going for a 1.40). I'm also training for my first full marathon at the moment, which I'm hoping that being at an easier pace should work better for me.

Good luck! If you have any more questions I've done quite a bit of research on it.

eeeekie · April 2011

I found what I already knew/feared. I will have to run at a more moderate pace.

Maybe I can still reach my goals? 6 months to marathon.??
Well, let's see what I can do.

I have a condition from working as a wildland firefighter, so the smoke has left me affected. Therefore, my condition is not allergy related, so some of the advice didn't apply (( sadly)).

But I did read that others did experience a strengthening in their lungs.
Maybe after time my condition will lessen?

Also; time of day and temperature was mentioned.
I'll play with this and see if there is some relief.
I'll be sure to clear my sinuses before I go, too.

Thanks for the link!!

Thank you for your service as a firefighter. You risk your health every time you enter into such dangerous situations.

I'd def check into time of day. I notice when it's cold out even with a little hint of cold in the air my asthma acts up. Since I was a kid I've had to sleep with my face under my blankets at night during winter because it's hard to breathe the cold air.

Firewhirrrl · April 2011

Cute and curvy:

Wow... So there is hope.
I am new. I just started seeing allergist. I've only seen him once, but due back.
He also upped meds because I was not controlled.

((bingo)).
So, holding breath. Must be lung exercises. this I can do.

This I will do.

And my most sincere congratulations on your progress.
Thank you for sharing with me.

Firewhirrrl · April 2011

Nita:

Yes, please go on about mast cells.

They trigger at about 20'mins ( I agree from experience).
But if I went past the moment, then it's gone?
So I can run through the attack, maybe walk... Then resume again??

How long does the attack.

NitaCB · April 2011

Always take your blue ventolin inhaler with you when you're out running for a start. If you feel it coming on take a few puffs and carry on as you can. I think it means that if you can keep it at a manageable level it won't get any worse. But with an asthma attack I find that it reaches a point of no return. I have finished a race with an attack partway though. It's like once it reaches that point even if you do make it to the end you may need a nebuliser to recover properly. Keep pursuing it with your doctor, because apparently you shouldn't be using your blue inhaler more than once or twice in a week if your asthma is well managed. I might use mine 5-10 times! If you are having an asthma attack though, use it as much as you need, because a nebuliser is equivalent to about 50 puffs!

peacehawk · April 2011

This is a great question. for me, I think one of the reasons I hav e gained so much weight is my fear of having an asthma attack. When I was skinny, I used to go out dancing 3x a week. I would dance vigorously for almost 3 hours straight some nights. Then I stopped dancing almost altogether when I developed asthma. I am only now, slowly rebuilding my lung capacity through excercise, singing (yes, singing),yoga, breathing meditations, ad doing things to reduce my anxiety in a healthy way. The more I do these things, the stronger my lungs get. (Although I have an upper respiratory infection. Right now, so I'm not at my best.)

Firewhirrrl · April 2011

Nita:
I do take my inhaler...I take two hits before I start and some as the attack begins. I've never thought about stopping

!!
Nor have I slowed down..:)!!

The one day I was pushing to a healthy moderate push, ( might have even produced a sweat),
It took nine or so hits and a full 20 minutes to come out of it after I stopped exercising and an additiOnal 20 minutes ( so 40 mins total) before I felt "normal" in the lungs.

The doctor ( the regular one) told me to take up to 8 hits.

I have not yet asked the specialist about exercise.

But I am prescribed to use my rescue inhailer 2 puffs every 4 hours AROUND THE CLOCK.

So, maybe he will allow me to use more at first, and maybe I'll ask about a nebilulizer myself.
I want to run. I wanna do a triathlon this year or next ( maybe just a sprint),
But I want to push as well. I like my legs to be the barometer for my fitness, not my lungs:(.

Thanks!! I see the specialist next week. I'll post what he sayes.

Firewhirrrl · April 2011

@eeekie;

I do agree about the time of day, I was having asthma attacks at night this winter during the night.
So cold air is part culprit.

However, it seems to be more. Went for a moderate 20 min bike ride on exercise bike, maybe broke a sweat, wasn't sore the next day, so a true moderate exercise pace... Blammo!

I was not distended in the neck, nor was I wheezing,

But it was clogged.
And I sucked the life out of my inhailer.

Firewhirrrl · April 2011

I am thankful for the other adults who have developed exercise asthma.

Especially those who are avid exercisers.

This condition just blindsided me. I didn't believe the doctor:).

I had a few moderate attacks before I even purchased the medication, because I was in denial.

And now I know it is true, and I take my medications .... All of them.

And I am thankful for those of you who have gone before me. I know I can positively affect my asthma by conditioning my lungs.
Medicines work, but also it does not have to be the ultimate limit. My goals will likely take longer to reach if I respect my new lung capacity, but seems I can enter into a training program where I can advance my stamena and fitness level.

Please keep the stories coming:).

Thank you for sharing your time...

NitaCB · April 2011

Careful, a nebuliser is what the ambulance will give you if you're having an asthma attack! I know the deal here is (from experience, unfortunately), that if you're still not responding properly after 2 nebulisers they have to take you into the hospital to get you checked out. So don't ask your doctor about them!

It sounds like yours is more extreme than mine. Definitely take the medication the doctor tells you to take. When you're out running don't be afraid to stop and have a bit of a walk break just to calm it down a bit. That's one thing that I've struggled with a bit, because I'm quite a good runner (in my running group I'm usually in the front of the group) and I hate having to stop and walk at times because I think people must look at me and think 'oh she can't be a very good runner'. Yes it's a pride thing. But, if I can do that, when I need to, and it's usually only for about 5-10 metres, I usually pass back the people who may have run past and carry on at my pace. I definitely do it in races too, even if I feel like some people must wonder what I'm doing...this girl who stops to walk, but then she passes me again, then I pass her walking... I hate having to do it, but if it helps me make it to the end intact then that's what I'll have to do!

Thanks for the friend invite.

Firewhirrrl · May 2011

Update:
I have been successfully running these days and I have found a solution for me.

I have to take. Few hits before I exercise, and exercise at such a mild rate that I don't have any elevated breathing.

So for me: that's about a 12 min mile... Sad speed, but I found I was able to go for as long as I wanted without an attack.

Also: when I got to the end, I had to do a full 15 min walk. That's longer then I normally do, but it killed the post workout attacks too.
I am estatic and I have been able to repeat this success.

curleesam · May 2011

I have mild asthma so perhaps my input isn't as helpful however I found increasing the speed and incline on my treadmill every two weeks very slightly was enough to push myself. I also panicabout having an attack (I've had two at the gym) which is why I build myself up and push myself slowly and gradually. Just so long as you have your inhaler at all times and build yourself up slowly you'll be ok I think.

I must stress I actually don't run as I can't run properly on a treadmill but I powerwalk very very fast on a steep incline and go pretty hard on a random setting on the elliptical on level 12 with wrist weights.

aflane · May 2011

I also have asthma, that for years was fairly well controlled. Then I started to work out this past January, and my asthma got VERY bad.... VERY quickly. My meds at the time were Advair 50/50 (2x daily), Singulair 10 mg and an emergency inhaler. I was oftentimes using my emergency inhaler at the gym, between 8-10 times per workout. My asthma definitely was NOT under control. So I went to see my allergist. My allergist was VERY upset that I had been using the emergency inhaler so many times during a workout. Here's what/how she changed my meds. I'm still on the Singulair (10 mg), however, she upped my Advair to the 250/50 dosage. I take the Advair in the morning, and then 30 mins BEFORE I head to the gym. With this increased medication dosage, my symptoms disappeared within 4-5 days. In addition, she changed my emergency inhaler to a different brand. However, I haven't needed to use my emergency inhaler in about 6 weeks, and right now it's peak allergy season in my area.

Something you might want to know. I have very friendly, informative pharmacists at my local store and they gave me some interesting info. MANY emergency inhalers start to LOSE their effectiveness immediately after their first use. If you have the same inhaler for over 3 months, you need to get your Rx refilled/renewed. Also, some brands/formulas don't work well for some people. The insurance preferred brand doesn't work for me. I have to take 8-10 hits off it for the barest level of relief. I went to a Proventil inhaler, and I get relief after just 2 hits.

These are just some things I've learned/experienced.

I'd go back to your allergist or asthma specialist. Your general practitioner is not being properly concerned about you using your inhaler SO much. Also, try using your inhaler about 10 minutes BEFORE you start your workout. It takes a couple of minutes to really start working.

Firewhirrrl · May 2011

I did go back to the specialist. I am also on steroids ( purple one).
And I also have proair. He wants me to try an acid reflux
medecine for a month before he changes current meds. And he said if the acid reflux doesn't work he would put me on a treadmill and do some testing and give me a stronger medication.
I'm on 100/50 already.

I do take two hits before I go. I was also taking a ton of hits to make it throug a workout.
Modifying the workout itself I am able to Controll the attack without using the inhaler which I rather like.

I also have asthma, that for years was fairly well controlled. Then I started to work out this past January, and my asthma got VERY bad.... VERY quickly. My meds at the time were Advair 50/50 (2x daily), Singulair 10 mg and an emergency inhaler. I was oftentimes using my emergency inhaler at the gym, between 8-10 times per workout. My asthma definitely was NOT under control. So I went to see my allergist. My allergist was VERY upset that I had been using the emergency inhaler so many times during a workout. Here's what/how she changed my meds. I'm still on the Singulair (10 mg), however, she upped my Advair to the 250/50 dosage. I take the Advair in the morning, and then 30 mins BEFORE I head to the gym. With this increased medication dosage, my symptoms disappeared within 4-5 days. In addition, she changed my emergency inhaler to a different brand. However, I haven't needed to use my emergency inhaler in about 6 weeks, and right now it's peak allergy season in my area.

Something you might want to know. I have very friendly, informative pharmacists at my local store and they gave me some interesting info. MANY emergency inhalers start to LOSE their effectiveness immediately after their first use. If you have the same inhaler for over 3 months, you need to get your Rx refilled/renewed. Also, some brands/formulas don't work well for some people. The insurance preferred brand doesn't work for me. I have to take 8-10 hits off it for the barest level of relief. I went to a Proventil inhaler, and I get relief after just 2 hits.

These are just some things I've learned/experienced.

I'd go back to your allergist or asthma specialist. Your general practitioner is not being properly concerned about you using your inhaler SO much. Also, try using your inhaler about 10 minutes BEFORE you start your workout. It takes a couple of minutes to really start working.

Firewhirrrl · May 2011

I did go back to the specialist. I am also on steroids ( purple one).
And I also have proair. He wants me to try an acid reflux
medecine for a month before he changes current meds. And he said if the acid reflux doesn't work he would put me on a treadmill and do some testing and give me a stronger medication.
I'm on 100/50 already.

I do take two hits before I go. I was also taking a ton of hits to make it throug a workout.
Modifying the workout itself I am able to Controll the attack without using the inhaler which I rather like.

I also have asthma, that for years was fairly well controlled. Then I started to work out this past January, and my asthma got VERY bad.... VERY quickly. My meds at the time were Advair 50/50 (2x daily), Singulair 10 mg and an emergency inhaler. I was oftentimes using my emergency inhaler at the gym, between 8-10 times per workout. My asthma definitely was NOT under control. So I went to see my allergist. My allergist was VERY upset that I had been using the emergency inhaler so many times during a workout. Here's what/how she changed my meds. I'm still on the Singulair (10 mg), however, she upped my Advair to the 250/50 dosage. I take the Advair in the morning, and then 30 mins BEFORE I head to the gym. With this increased medication dosage, my symptoms disappeared within 4-5 days. In addition, she changed my emergency inhaler to a different brand. However, I haven't needed to use my emergency inhaler in about 6 weeks, and right now it's peak allergy season in my area.

Something you might want to know. I have very friendly, informative pharmacists at my local store and they gave me some interesting info. MANY emergency inhalers start to LOSE their effectiveness immediately after their first use. If you have the same inhaler for over 3 months, you need to get your Rx refilled/renewed. Also, some brands/formulas don't work well for some people. The insurance preferred brand doesn't work for me. I have to take 8-10 hits off it for the barest level of relief. I went to a Proventil inhaler, and I get relief after just 2 hits.

These are just some things I've learned/experienced.

I'd go back to your allergist or asthma specialist. Your general practitioner is not being properly concerned about you using your inhaler SO much. Also, try using your inhaler about 10 minutes BEFORE you start your workout. It takes a couple of minutes to really start working.

Firewhirrrl · May 2011

Your method of workout is precisely what I have determined to work.
Thank you for sharing!!

Btw... You look awesome!!
GreAt job!! What a belly!

I have mild asthma so perhaps my input isn't as helpful however I found increasing the speed and incline on my treadmill every two weeks very slightly was enough to push myself. I also panicabout having an attack (I've had two at the gym) which is why I build myself up and push myself slowly and gradually. Just so long as you have your inhaler at all times and build yourself up slowly you'll be ok I think.

I must stress I actually don't run as I can't run properly on a treadmill but I powerwalk very very fast on a steep incline and go pretty hard on a random setting on the elliptical on level 12 with wrist weights.

NitaCB · May 2011

That's really encouraging hearing that some of you have actually found medication that works for you. I've just come back from a weekend away to run a half marathon and I had an asthma attack again. I'm just feeling so discouraged about it. I thought that I was on the way up, cos my last half before that I managed to do without an attack. So for it to happen again this time...I don't know, can I just not do races any more? I've got another half coming up in 3 weeks and then my big goal of a full another month after that. How on earth am I gonna do it?! I'm on a waiting list to see an asthma specialist so I really hope I can get in soon.

Firewhirrrl · May 2011

I am obviously not the one to tell you all about it:).

But for real!! You like races, so race. Just know that like climbing mount everest there is a VERY DISTINCT possibikity that you plan for years, sink all your money , go around the world, just to be TURNED BACK 400 feet from the summit.

The truth here is that in all sports, we all have to have body, mind, and spirit.
Your body doesn't always cooperate.... Fine!
It might piss you off or leave you crying at the side of the road, fine too. Just face this limitation and keep right on doing it.
Because... Sometimes YOU REALLY DO GET THERE!!
and THATS why you do it, for the times and possibility that it goes well ..

That's really encouraging hearing that some of you have actually found medication that works for you. I've just come back from a weekend away to run a half marathon and I had an asthma attack again. I'm just feeling so discouraged about it. I thought that I was on the way up, cos my last half before that I managed to do without an attack. So for it to happen again this time...I don't know, can I just not do races any more? I've got another half coming up in 3 weeks and then my big goal of a full another month after that. How on earth am I gonna do it?! I'm on a waiting list to see an asthma specialist so I really hope I can get in soon.

Asthma

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