Running With Asthma?

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NekoneMeowMixx
NekoneMeowMixx Posts: 410 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I was diagnosed with asthma as a child, and while the cold brought on the worst of it, and I still have chronic bronchitis every beginning on winter into my adult years, I ditched the inhaler years ago... Periodically throughout the day I find myself taking a sharp inhale, as if I simply forgot to breathe, but other than that, my asthma doesn't/hasn't affected me in ages...

Until I started running... The rest of my body can handle it, and I want to push harder, but my lungs just feel like they're tightening, getting smaller, and I can't get a deep enough breath to get the amount of oxygen I need. I've tried to control my breathing by consciously hee-hee-hoooo, hee-hee-hoooo and hee-hee-hoo-hoo, hee-hee-hoo-hoo but after about half a mile of steady pace, I can't get past the first sharp "hee" inhale before I have to exhale again.

I had to stop three different times in the 28 minutes of C25K I did last night, totaling about 30 seconds each, because I literally just could not breathe. It's frustrating, and certainly embarrassing, when I'm audibly inhaling and exhaling with all these creepy wheezes and squeaks escaping my shrinking lungs.

I've recently moved, so I'm in the market for a new primary care physician. I don't know what kind of inhaler would help in this situation (or if that's the right solution at all) or even how to go about asking for advice (my last PCP was a royal something and treated me like a drug addict (I could be asking for aspirin and she'd accuse me) so when I had briefly mentioned during a visit that my asthma felt like it was acting up when I ran, she told me that I was "probably just out of shape" and while that's true to a degree, I know my body enough to know the difference between wore out and being physically unable to breathe...

Are there any other runners with asthma or people inclined enough to have some good advice on how to talk to my (new) doctor about this, and what I can do in the meantime? I'm finally seeing progress, so I refuse to stop, but I also don't want to be foolish and hurt myself...
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Replies

  • alicemrichards
    alicemrichards Posts: 3 Member
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    You should be prescribed a steroid inhaler for when you're more at risk. I take Flixotide, two puffs a day and carry a Salbutamol inhaler for when I go running. I usually have to take one puff after the first 10 minutes but then I can just carry on as standard. It's insane that you're doctor was so dismissive of your asthma, fitness is not a cure for this condition and asthma does kill so make sure you take an inhaler out running with you, no matter how embarrassed you feel.
  • Ishii19
    Ishii19 Posts: 115 Member
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    I use an albuterol inhaler right before I run - it works really well. Previously I was just trying to run thru it figuring as I got more in shape my lungs would follow suit - but I seemed to really be alarming to people I ran past, they would all be like "are you ok?" and "take it easy" or whatever - this is just strangers lol. So I went to my doc and he prescribed me the inhaler and it works like a charm. Running is sooo much more enjoyable now, not even sure I would have stuck with it otherwise. Also, you may know this already but with C25k go really slooow and trust in the program. The more miles you put down the easier it gets. Good luck! Enjoy :)
  • eponine1976
    eponine1976 Posts: 143 Member
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    I second using the albuterol before you start running as a preventative. My asthma is much more severe than yours and this trick really helps me, I do it before any type of cardio.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,179 Member
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    You need t o see a pulmonologist and get a treatment plan. It sounds like you need first a long term plan, usually with steroids, singulair or a combination, because what you are experiencing means your asthma is nto controlled. And then you will probably need a rescue inhaler, to use before running.
  • 50452
    50452 Posts: 170 Member
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    eponine1976 wrote: »
    I second using the albuterol before you start running as a preventative. My asthma is much more severe than yours and this trick really helps me, I do it before any type of cardio.

    ^ This.

    I am on a daily inhaler (Dulera) - 2 puffs, twice a day - for maintaining/prevention. The Albuterol is supposed to be for emergencies, except that it can also be used prior to exercise on a daily basis if needed. This is according to my doctor and pharmacist.

    Do you see a pulmonologist regularly?
  • madube84
    madube84 Posts: 135 Member
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    Ditto on the albuterol. I just take a couple of puffs right before I start and I am good.
  • NekoneMeowMixx
    NekoneMeowMixx Posts: 410 Member
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    50452 wrote: »
    eponine1976 wrote: »
    I second using the albuterol before you start running as a preventative. My asthma is much more severe than yours and this trick really helps me, I do it before any type of cardio.

    ^ This.

    I am on a daily inhaler (Dulera) - 2 puffs, twice a day - for maintaining/prevention. The Albuterol is supposed to be for emergencies, except that it can also be used prior to exercise on a daily basis if needed. This is according to my doctor and pharmacist.

    Do you see a pulmonologist regularly?

    I do not, no. I honestly don't think I truly have since I was a child and first diagnosed with Asthma. I do know that I had a daily and an albuterol inhaler at the time, and while I wouldn't take it during strenuous activity until I actually *needed* it, I do think it helped. I didn't really consider taking it *beforehand* as a preventative, but it's been so long that I don't honestly remember how they work-- but it makes sense.

    Definitely appreciate all the suggestions. Hopefully the new PCP can help me out, or at least get me in with a pulmonologist...

  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
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    I have fairly severe asthma.

    I take Flovent (corticosteroids) daily and Xopenex for emergencies. I also have a nebulizer.
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
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    I take advair because without it I am positive I would have died from severe attacks in the past. I would say get on a maintenance inhaler(steroid) because contrary to belief you dont outgrow it and it never goes away(you can have an attack years later),I also do yoga(helps with breathing) and I also do exercises that build my stamina (which also helps strengthen up my lungs). I would see the pulmonologist for sure, you may have whats called exercise induced asthma if it doesnt bother you much at other times,but yeah you can take your albuterol before you run and then after if you need it, I do know though for me the more cardio I did the more my lungs improved. definitely talk to a dr and pulmonologist and they can do testing to see what your best course of action would be. good luck
  • NekoneMeowMixx
    NekoneMeowMixx Posts: 410 Member
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    CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »
    I take advair because without it I am positive I would have died from severe attacks in the past. I would say get on a maintenance inhaler(steroid) because contrary to belief you dont outgrow it and it never goes away(you can have an attack years later),I also do yoga(helps with breathing) and I also do exercises that build my stamina (which also helps strengthen up my lungs). I would see the pulmonologist for sure, you may have whats called exercise induced asthma if it doesnt bother you much at other times,but yeah you can take your albuterol before you run and then after if you need it, I do know though for me the more cardio I did the more my lungs improved. definitely talk to a dr and pulmonologist and they can do testing to see what your best course of action would be. good luck

    I'm still fairly new to running, so in time it make get a little better. I don't think mine is severe enough to need a daily inhaler, but I think the emergency inhaler will help out a lot
  • otheliemoor
    otheliemoor Posts: 50 Member
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    Go to a specialist, your general practitioner is not going to have the same level of knowledge about newer medicines and be able to answer your questions the same way a specialist is going to be able to.
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
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    otheliemoor wrote: »
    Go to a specialist, your general practitioner is not going to have the same level of knowledge about newer medicines and be able to answer your questions the same way a specialist is going to be able to.
    depends on the practitioner. mine has been great with newer meds. but a pulmonologist would be idea.

  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
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    NekoneMeowMixx wrote: »
    CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »
    I take advair because without it I am positive I would have died from severe attacks in the past. I would say get on a maintenance inhaler(steroid) because contrary to belief you dont outgrow it and it never goes away(you can have an attack years later),I also do yoga(helps with breathing) and I also do exercises that build my stamina (which also helps strengthen up my lungs). I would see the pulmonologist for sure, you may have whats called exercise induced asthma if it doesnt bother you much at other times,but yeah you can take your albuterol before you run and then after if you need it, I do know though for me the more cardio I did the more my lungs improved. definitely talk to a dr and pulmonologist and they can do testing to see what your best course of action would be. good luck

    I'm still fairly new to running, so in time it make get a little better. I don't think mine is severe enough to need a daily inhaler, but I think the emergency inhaler will help out a lot
    yours may not be severe enough to need a daily maintenance inhaler which is true. but it if bothers you often enough they may recommend it. or some type of other medication.like I said though definitely see a pulmonologist so they can tell what kind of asthma it is and even if it is asthma(there are a lot of diseases of the lungs that can mimic asthma).Im not saying to ask for one though. the dr and pulmonologist will decide what your course of action will be
  • KatieLK14
    KatieLK14 Posts: 90 Member
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    I take two inhales of ventolin ten-fifteen minutes before I run. For over a year I tried to run without taking it, and only take it when I need it but it just wasn't worth it. It's a lot more comfortable for me to just take it beforehand to avoid any issues.
  • trswallow
    trswallow Posts: 116 Member
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    Your previous pcp might have had issues with patients prescription shopping and started suspecting everyone. Don't assume that all pcp will be the same. You should be able to talk to your doctor about any issues you have without being accused, unless you've given a reason to be a suspect.

    Find a new pcp and then get a referral to specialist. A specialist can make sure it is actually asthma and give a correct treatment plan. A pcp might just assume it is asthma.
  • skippygirlsmom
    skippygirlsmom Posts: 4,433 Member
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    aggelikik wrote: »
    You need t o see a pulmonologist and get a treatment plan. It sounds like you need first a long term plan, usually with steroids, singulair or a combination, because what you are experiencing means your asthma is nto controlled. And then you will probably need a rescue inhaler, to use before running.

    This ^^^ my 14 year old suffered having what I thought was normal, 1 or 2 attacks a month until we started seeing a pulmonologist who said 1 attack a year is too much. 3 years later she hasn't had an attack in over a year. She runs high school track and cross country and plays on the HS soccer team. From time to time she'll use her rescue inhaler 2 puffs before a XC meet or need it after a race to stop her coughing. I would bypass the PCP and go to a specialist.
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
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    sometimes though you have to get a referral from a dr to see a specialist.
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,725 Member
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    CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »
    sometimes though you have to get a referral from a dr to see a specialist.

    ....In order for insurance to pay for it usually. This thread actually brought back memories - I couldn't see my regular PCP and the person I saw instead was being a bit rude and difficult. I did have to pay for the first couple visits with the specialist I found on my own, but ultimately my care resumed being managed by my regular doctor. I do the two puff thing before I exercise and it works really well

    PS: OP I think it's shameful that your previous doctor blew you off. I had to be reminded recently that adults do die of asthma related episodes and to be careful. It almost seems careless of the doctor
  • NekoneMeowMixx
    NekoneMeowMixx Posts: 410 Member
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    JaneiR36 wrote: »
    CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »
    sometimes though you have to get a referral from a dr to see a specialist.

    ....In order for insurance to pay for it usually. This thread actually brought back memories - I couldn't see my regular PCP and the person I saw instead was being a bit rude and difficult. I did have to pay for the first couple visits with the specialist I found on my own, but ultimately my care resumed being managed by my regular doctor. I do the two puff thing before I exercise and it works really well

    PS: OP I think it's shameful that your previous doctor blew you off. I had to be reminded recently that adults do die of asthma related episodes and to be careful. It almost seems careless of the doctor

    Yeah, she was something else, that's for sure... I don't think my asthma is that severe, luckily, as the only real time I notice it is when I'm working out (or when I get into an anxiety attack) but the whole not hurting to breathe thing would certainly be great...
  • lucylittle24
    lucylittle24 Posts: 2 Member
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    I have severe asthma. I have what is called "activity induced" attacks as well as weather related attacks. When I started running I had to use a daily inhaler such as Advair and I had to use my albuterol inhaler before a run. After a few months of running I was able to stop the Advair and a few months later I was able to stop the albuterol. I do, at times, have to take the albuterol if the weather is cold or I am at another altitude. I have a great pulmonologist. You shouldn't look at the issue as being a long term problem that you have to take drugs for the rest of your life.

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