Do you run with asthma?

Mandygring
Mandygring Posts: 704 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I have asthma and running can be difficult some days. I like to run anyways. I feel like my body can keep going but my lungs are the problem. It makes me feel like I can't breathe. Usually I slow down, catch my breath and then run some more. I'd love to know im not alone and to hear any tips. Thanks :)

Replies

  • VioletRojo
    VioletRojo Posts: 597 Member
    Do you take medication? I take Singulair daily and use an inhaler before runs and it's like I don't even have asthma.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    I've long since outgrown my asthma, but all through high school & college I was a track athlete managing it. My inhaler was critical
  • tillerstouch
    tillerstouch Posts: 608 Member
    I have an inhalor i take before cardio that totally treats mine. I have exercise induced asthma
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    edited August 2016
    I have asthma, sometimes use an inhaler and HATE running.

    So, I don't run and only would if my life (or the life of someone I loved dearly) absolutely depended on it.

    I hike, walk, backpack, ride horseback, bike ride, ski, motorcycle, row and will do anything else instead.

    LOL! ;)
  • Sarc_Warrior
    Sarc_Warrior Posts: 430 Member
    I'm a severe asthmatic and was recently diagnosed with sarcoidosis in my lungs. I run 5 kms 3 days and week and lift the other days.
  • jessiferrrb
    jessiferrrb Posts: 1,758 Member
    i have an advair discus that really helps keep my asthma under control to the point where i rarely need my rescue inhaler. i also think that the more you run the easier it becomes to breathe, but when i first started running i would use a puff before i started. i still will if for some reason i'm feeling tightness in my chest.

    you can always slow down too, i know it sounds obvious, but it was the mfp forums that gave me "permission" to run slowly and i've been able to increase my stamina much quicker (and eventually my speed) by keeping a slower pace (somewhere between 5-6 mph).
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    I don't but my sister does. In fact she's run several marathons. Caffeine before a run helps. She also takes an inhaler with her and uses it if she needs it.

    If you're getting out of breath running, slow down. Running shouldn't be a sprint unless you're running the 100 yard dash or something. Most runs should be at a pace which allows you to carry on a limited conversation. It will get easier to run faster over time but you should start very slowly.
  • Mandygring
    Mandygring Posts: 704 Member
    Thanks for replying and sharing
  • Libertysfate
    Libertysfate Posts: 452 Member
    I've had asthma since I was about 11 years old, it's not as bad now and mostly just triggered by allergies (spring is such a joy...), but I'm a long distant runner. I find your body will adapt over time.
  • Mandygring
    Mandygring Posts: 704 Member
    Thanks. I want to be able to run the 5k color run in October but i my lungs hold me back. :(
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    While I'm not currently running I have run in the past and I've had asthma forever. I found that it got better the better runner I became. If the air is below freezing I take a hit off the inhaler before I go.

    Trying slowing down a little and keeping an even pace that you can maintain.

  • pomegranatecloud
    pomegranatecloud Posts: 812 Member
    I've had asthma my whole life, I've never really had any issues exercising or running. I have issues with my asthma when my allegories get bad in the fall and spring, when there's a huge and sudden drop in temperate, or when it's super cold but none of that is because of exercising. On really cold days, I'll run with my mouth covered, which helps.

    If you're a new runner and are having trouble breathing, it could also be that you're running too fast and slowing down may resolve the issue. Pretty much all brand new running start out running way too fast.
  • ogmomma2012
    ogmomma2012 Posts: 1,520 Member
    Yes, and because I am prone to attacks caused by exacerbation I take my rescue inhaler 10min before I begin and that prevents any attacks from happening.
  • FitPhillygirl
    FitPhillygirl Posts: 7,124 Member
    My daughter does for short periods at a time. She uses her inhaler before starting out and says that helps.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    edited August 2016
    Yes. Some days are better than others, but regular running definitely helps. I tend to take a few deep breaths and check where my lungs are before going out. If they're tight at all I'll hit my inahler first because waiting for the lungs to lock up mid-run is a no fun. If it's cold (rare here), I'll also warm up with a walk first, and I always walk to cool down to prevent the end-run lock up that often happens to me. I've also found a scarf around the face and layers around the chest help, though I almost always run in shorts.

    The other thing is to make sure you minimize your triggers. I am very sensitive to mold and mildew so bleaching anything from the showers to the window sills is common here.

Categories