Tips for Exercise-Induced Asthma?

lashawa
lashawa Posts: 1 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone! I'm trying to get my asthma under control. I have a very strict diet due to allergies but I'm at a loss when it comes to introducing exercise to my life. I'm overweight and honestly have no experience with exercise aside from gym class years ago.

Does anyone have tips/ideas for exercises I can do indoors (to avoid allergens) that would be a good start for me? Also, does anyone know some good breathing tips so I don't become too out of breath while exercising? I would like to use my inhaler as little as possible and lessen the risk of having to go to the ER.

Replies

  • callyhockey
    callyhockey Posts: 22 Member
    I dont really have any specific suggestions for you but wanting to make a change is a great first step. I had "exercise unduced asthema" as a kid and used an inhaler from about the age of 8 to 16 but the thing is i was 160 lbs at 11 years old and looking back very overweight the whole time. At 16 i remained 160 lbs but gained a lot of height and muscle at this point and like magic havent used an inhaler since.

    Obviously i couldve just grown out of it but i think weight plays a serious factor in that kind of asthema and i wish you best!
  • Ahunter669
    Ahunter669 Posts: 1 Member
    I have asthma that is both allergic and exercise induced. Here are my tips, for what they're worth:

    -Talk to your doctor first. Asthma can kill.
    -Use your rescue inhaler half an hour before the workout and take it with you every time. Most of the time I don't need it during but I have had an attack while jogging.
    -Start slow and work your way up over time.
    -Don't compare your progress to that of others, and don't get discouraged if you have a setback. I completed my first 5k in the fall, then got exposed to chemicals at work a month later that caused severe attacks. It's under control now but I'm back to square one with cardio.
    -for me, running is hard, eliptical is easier, and I can work out with weights all day. Try things out until you find what is right for you
    -as far as breathing, it helps me to try to focus on calm, medium depth breaths. That saI'd if you are breathing heavy it is because you need air, so most of the time just breathe naturally.

    Good luck. It's harder for us but it's still woth it.
  • H_Ock12
    H_Ock12 Posts: 1,152 Member
    Have you tried weight training and/or a stationary bike?
  • VKetoV
    VKetoV Posts: 111 Member
    edited January 2017
    Using a short acting beta 2 agonist prophylactically does not count as a rescue dose & should not be factored into determining whether you are controlled or non-controlled (i.e. whether to add or increase the dose on inhaled corticosteroid). Dose albuterol 5-15 minutes before exercise & monitor with peak expiratory flow rate before & after (possibly during too).

    It's never a bad idea to have an extra albuterol inhaler in one's gym bag or even have some prednisone/methylprednisone/dexamethasone laying around for emergency situations. The good news is asthma is a reversible disease; you are on the right track by implementing exercise into disease state management
  • jen_092
    jen_092 Posts: 254 Member
    I have exercise induced asthma, and a couple of years ago I decided to run up and down my stairs as a workout. Some dust kicked up and I had an attack. So.. I guess be weary of indoor allergens if applicable (not trying to scare you but it obviously never occurred to me. I should keep my house cleaner anyway.)

    You asked for indoor exercise ideas - I happen to like doing body weight exercises like pushups, situps, lunges, squats, etc. You can control the pace and number of reps, to keep your heart rate and breathing at a pace you feel is safe. I typically use albuterol about 20 minutes before exercise and it works well for me.

    Most important, first talk with your doctor about starting exercise. Good luck!
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,737 Member
    I have EIA, but it doesn't bother me in a controlled climate. It bothers me when I'm exercising outside and it's cool or humid or cool and humid. It also bothers me when I cycle up hills or really push hard in a sprint.

    Since I've lost the weight, it is MUCH better ... although I noticed a bit of it again on a very humid day just recently.

    One thing that helps is to focus on breathing out. So when I'm cycling up a hill, I'll force my breath out and then just let the inward breath take care of itself.
  • Fitgirllife72
    Fitgirllife72 Posts: 500 Member
    edited January 2017
    I have exercise induced asthma and allergen induced asthma. I am allergic to just about everything outdoors and allergic to everything indoors including pets. Have had it my entire life. I am 44 years old. 5 years on allergy shots and taking an inhaled steroid and my asthma does not interfere with my life. I can run 6 miles no problem at a 9 minute mile. Advair 250/50 and allergy shots. Talk to your allergy/asthma doctor.
  • robindina
    robindina Posts: 157 Member
    I have allergy induced asthma so when allergens are high I'm house bound.... i started slow with a little bit of treadmill work, walking video and some wii. had my rescue inhaler nearby and i listened to my body. as soon as i felt my lungs tighten i would stop. I eventually worked up to walking a half marathon, my allergies were bothersome but my lung strength had improved that i could handle it. Definitely keep your dr in the loop and working up slowly is the key
  • BreetKnee
    BreetKnee Posts: 1 Member
    I have asthma/allergies granted it's mild enough that I haven't been to the ER for it. But I try to really focus on breathing in through the nose and blowing out through the mouth slowly. I also alternate between intervals of slower vs faster speeds on the treadmill. And personally I like cooler drier air if you can try to control for whatever makes it easier for you to breathe. My stepfather actually likes the humidity and has a hard time in the winter air. So I hope you can find what works best for you.
  • Joanna2012B
    Joanna2012B Posts: 1,448 Member
    I too am an asthmatic with allergies. It has taken some time but running has improved my lung function. You have to learn to control your breathing with any cardio exercise. Don't do too much too soon, it will take time to get your breathing under control. I find since I started yoga my breathing techniques have improved.

    @BreetKnee I too find the cooler temps easier to breath...Forget working out in humidity except cycling...I can do that anytime!!
  • jennakns
    jennakns Posts: 1 Member
    Try a 10 minute warm up before you go full in on your exercise, usually it is a 10 minute window on your lungs adjusting to exercise. ( an idea from my DR.) I have found it works for me, but everyone is different.
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