Any people here with asthma?

jesse19881 · November 2011

I'm new to this and I am finding it too hard to do more than 10 minutes of high cardio without almost passing out from an asthma attack.
Little background:
I am 22, have had asthma my whole life. And bad I might add. I have two inhalers. One which is my emergency and the other which is my controller.
Now they say that uncontrolled asthma is using your emergency inhaler more than 4 times a week. I use mine 4 times a day with out a workout. Like 6 when I do.
MY doctor doesn't know what else to do (I have tried everything) except tell me that I need to build up my lungs better.
I am just looking for support mostly, from people who have had to overcome this extra hurdle, because in all honesty, right now I'm thinking screw it. I knew loosing weight and getting healthier would be hard, but jeez, this is just... Unfair.

FitBridget · November 2011

I have asthma, although not nearly as bad as you. I don't exercise much though, I've been losing the weight through diet changes alone. I've lost 15 pounds so far just through changing my relationship with food. I have 3 more pounds to lose to get into the healthy weight range for my height, so my plan is to lose the 3 pounds doing what I'm doing now, and then add exercise for toning and health. I plan on going the non-cardio route (mostly because when I do cardio, I tend to decide I'd rather be overweight so it's okay to quit). I'll be signing up for a pilates class then.

So maybe try an exercise that isn't cardio-based? Cardio's going to be the hardest with asthma, and I find for me it's worse when it's cold out.

lloydrt · November 2011

jesse. Im here, I had , and I repeat I HAD ASHTMA, but not no more.............I had exercise induced asthma and I couldn't exercize , so I went to my Dr and was prescribed an exercise induced bronchiodialator and it did wonders as well as Asthmanex,

email me I can tell you more, But I know where youre coming from

Also, I lost so much weight I dont have asthma anymore...........seriously, its a thing of the past..........read my bio and my profile, it will tell you that I had asthma , but its a thing of the past..............Lloyd

brokebackmotors · November 2011

*raises hand*

Though, it does sound that you have it worse currently than I do. Moving out of my parents' house away from the dog/dust/etc. took me from where you are medicinally (not to mention the vaporizer albuterol jobbie as needed) to where I am today, which is just needing a puff off of the rescue inhaler whenever I've a chest cold or ... and here's where the applicable information begins ... before I exercise. Even still, I can't run for stretches exceeding 10 minutes without the chest constricting, and it's taken me 6 months to get to this point.

I started with walking. Not the most exciting (unless you're like me and easily entertained with an iPod...) but I definitely feel it's a progression. Hopefully, I can stretch that 10 minutes to 15...to 20...etc.

I think it is an endurance thing. Just work up to it over a few months. Nothing wrong with walking. You might try hitting the recursive cycles. I have found that if I don't "jostle around" my lungs when exercising (running...ugh) it doesn't kick me into asthma troubles.

Good luck & stick with

Beeps2011 · November 2011

I was diagnosed with allergy-induced and exercise-induced asthma when I was 8. I'm now 43. My asthma is WELL-controlled....so, first things first! I'd make sure you have the right asthma plan, for you.

For me, I only have to take my preventative inhaler during spring and fall, when my allergy-triggers are at their worst. However, I do take ventolin (my rescue inhaler) at least 10-15 minutes before every single work-out I do. (And, I've been a gym-rat for 25 years...) Since I exercise nearly everyday, for sure I use my "emergency inhaler" more than 4 times a week.

Have you tried using your "rescue" inhaler right before you work-out?? If yes, and it works for you, I would NOT count those uses as "emergency" uses, but rather normal usage to control your asthma.

lizgreenhill · November 2011

hello jesse im 24and have had asthma my whole life as well. i also use a controller inhaler and albuterol for emergencies, i take 2 different allergy meds every day as well. If you are having that big of an issue i would suggest maybe talking to your dr about switching your controller med ( i switched from flovent to advair and made a world of a difference). Or maybe your dr needs to add something else to help controller because the way it sounds your asthma is far from controlled When i work out i have to take a break every now and again to keep myself from passing out but i found that with the more weight i lose the easier it comes for me. When i first starting i was doing jillian michaels 30day shred i couldnt finish the whole movie without using my inhaler. Now i can do the movie without using my inhaler but i just have to take a breather. I would suggest going for walks for starters, walking as un fun as it helps tremendously. also, every 30-60mins take in really deep breaths and hold your breath for as long as you can do it for a bout a min or two it helps expand your lungs and will help you breath better in the long run. ( i do it every day still and it helps me) When my asthma is extremely bad i use my inhaler atleast 2-3 times a day but thats only because i missed a dose of one of my meds. I hope this has helped you, If you need anything else feel free to add me . Good luck and i hope you get everything under control

Peachy_T · November 2011

You may have to scale back your cardio intensity level until you build up your system. I use Ventolin (rarely) and Dulera inhalers and take an allergy pill and so far I haven't had any problems while exercising; however, I do not do high-intensity workouts. I hope you find the answer!

jesse19881 · November 2011

My doctor wont give me anything more. He thinks my asthma is getting to a point where its deadly no matter which way I go. I have tried Advair, Flovent, the stupid brown twist thing and many others including pills. I am now on Symbicort and its worked the best for me aside from Serevent which they only give when I get a chest infection. Before Symbicort, I went through an inhaler a week. Allergy induced, stress induced, exercise induced. You name it. I have it. Not to mention that I have anxiety issues which I think is the only reason its so bad. I have to lose 43 lbs just to be inside a healthy weight for my height.

I want to do the cardio to try and increase my lung power. Plus I know it will help in many other areas of my life. I was just hoping that it would get better with time and not stay the same or get worse.

Beeps2011 · November 2011

I will also add that the first 7- to 10- minutes of any cardio work-out, my lungs burn. They just do...plain and simple. It is painful, but once I push through that first bit, my lungs expand and I can do cardio FOREVER!

Note: any asthma doctor worth their salt will advise you to exercise, exercise, exercise because, as an asthmatic, your lungs are closing up more an more every single day and the ONLY way to extend your life is to FORCE open those blessed little lung sacs and the ONLY way to do that is to commit to (very) frequent cardio exercise!!

jesse19881 · November 2011

Beeps2001: I do use my inhaler 15 minutes before my workout but once I'm passed my warm up I need after about 10 minutes. And I had a goal of going from 10 to 15 minutes in a two week span. Didn't happen. And now I am feeling very discouraged.

cpiton · November 2011

Hi Jesse:
I'm 40 and I've had moderate to severe asthma all my life. About four years ago I weighed 207 lbs--and I'm 5'3. My asthma was out of control. I was taking high doses of Prednisone 3-4 times a year and my bronchodilator (rescue med) anywhere from 6-12 times a day along with a corticosteriod (what you referred to as your controller med) three times a day.

Since then, I've lost 60lbs. My asthma is better, but it's not gone. It likely won't ever be gone, but one time I went three whole months without needing my rescue med! I consider that a great victory--I'm sure you understand why.

I would love to give you an easy answer; but the truth is, when I first started exercising I felt like I was going to die of asthma at times. It sucked, because my heavier friends were exercising and not having nearly the hard time I was. It was like I was running underwater while they were all skipping along on the beach. I wanted to give up. I wanted to crawl under the covers and hide. I scowled a lot and had several elaborate pity parties.

But I kept at it. And then...something amazing happened. Suddenly I could make it around the block without my inhaler. And then two blocks. And then a mile. And then five miles! I now do both strength and cardio daily along with walking, but I started with just plain walking. I did that alone for a year. That was the best thing for me. Maybe walking or swimming would be a good one for you? Give yourself time to build up. More time than for non-asthmatics. And bring your meds to the gym or on your walk with you every time. Just in case. Also, let your doctor know what you're up to. They like to be in the loop.

At my last visit, my asthma doc was so happy with my progress she hugged me. It was a great day. I still have pounds to lose, but that's secondary to keeping myself fit so I don't end up back on steroids again.

You can totally do this. I know you can. And I'd be happy to cheer you on.

Feel free to message me or friend me or whatever it's called--haha--on calorie count and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have and offer support.

Oh, and I didn't do this overnight. My total weight loss took about 2.5 years. But it has stayed off for five, so I think I did it the right way for me. Hope this helped. Best of luck to you, Jesse.

Cheryl

lizgreenhill · November 2011

maybe you need to quit your doctor and go to an actual asthma doctor. ( if your not already) most doctors arent worth a crap when it comes to peoples health but i found that my asthma doctor has made it much better for my asthma than an actual MD

beyg · November 2011

I had asthma all my life, mostly untreated. AS I got older I noticed that I had more trouble than the previous year. A long time ago I learn an exercise similar to the a fake hiccup that has helped. Now for the almost total shut down what works for me is to train myself to control my breathing when I am not training so when I train I can draw from that exercise. I also got a medical alert bracelet for the times that I'm riding with my friends. the worst experience I had was a 40 mile bike ride with asthma and none of my buddies knew about it. However I do find that I must maintain a regular exercise schedule and once you build up a work out routine be careful not to go all the way out. Over all the more control you train the better you will get. Build it up slowly, and always keep your emergency med handy.

sassieatl · November 2011

I totally understand where you are coming from. I am 32 and was diagnosed with asthma at 6 months old and have had acute asthma every since. I feel your pain. But you have to workout to help it. I workout at home and I changed my eating habits which helps alot when losing weight. I have been on here for 2 months lost 20lbs and not having to take my inhalers as often anymore. So if you can only do 10 mintues of cardio, then do it. But don't over do it to where you can not hardly breathe. It will get better. Don't give up...you can message me if you want. I have been through all you are talking about. Hang in there.

kittytrix · November 2011

ME! ME! ME! I have HORRIBLE asthma. I had both lungs collapse back in 2007, less than two months after my youngest was born and i feel ya.

All I can tell you is that it gets better.

I used to huff and puff and suck on my inhaler after 5 minutes, but now I'm able to run 5K mud runs!

I still have issues with attacks and doctor like to pump me full of steroids making weight loss hard. I used to be on 60 mg of prednisone every day for about four months until I was stabilized. Now I'm off that but still use an inhaled lower-dose steroid daily. I'm much healthier than I was four years ago.

This year will mark the fourth anniversary of the day I nearly died and you better believe I celebrate it to the fullest!

I also agree that a general practitioner cannot compare to a pulmanologist.

Keep at it SAFELY and your lungs will get stronger and you will be able to do it.

Lots of luck to you!

Beeps2011 · November 2011

I think you are doing the right things, jesse. I really do. I think you need a different doctor (can you get a 2nd opinion from a doctor with TONS of experience with asthmatics?). I also think the suggestion on this board of trying swimming might be a good one - I know, for me, humidity makes a HUGE difference with how well my lungs operate.

Remember, even getting your warm-up in, and 10 minutes of exercise, is A GREAT THING TO DO!! Really. If you do that everyday, shaking it up to make sure your body isn't 'climatizing' to that work-out, you are ON THE RIGHT TRACK to health - to weight loss - to energy-boosting - to sleeping better.

Friend me. I'll support you!

SWEETS1234 · November 2011

Ah Asthma. Yes like others here I feel your pain but it DOES get better. You just have to get your body use to it. Start slow ie walking and slowly added in some running. Before you know it you'll be cardio awesome but it doesn't happen over night. FYI i'm also on Symbicort twice a day, singular daily and I have a my emergency inhaler. All this and I still love to run todays stats 5.6 miles 50 mins.
take care all the best

jesse19881 · November 2011

Thanks everyone. And I have seen so many doctors over the years. Including specialists. The only one I liked is a general MD. The second best would be the one that delivered me as a child and was the one who noticed that I had asthma. I had this doctor a few years ago tell me that it was all in my head and that he was going to stop prescribing me my meds. I went to another doctor for a second opinion. That was the one who delivered me. He marched right over to my doctor and told him off. Then told me that if he refuses to give me my meds, he will do it for me.
I learned breathing exercises and techniques from my specialist, but he got all pissy with me when he realized I smoked and refused to help me further. I have since quit but because it is in my medical record, no specialist will touch me now. I am okay with that. The doctor I have now is very thorough and has helped me a lot more than the specialist did. He is the one who found symbicort. He also wrote in the hospital book that if I ever come in, I am not to wait. Just give me my meds and the mask and I can do the rest (which has been going on now for a year) No more waiting at the hospital for this gal. He also flat out told me "Jessica, your getting fat. Time to do something about it." Also something about my life already being shorter due to the amount of my inhalers I take and asthma in general as I have already almost died twice. Something about being told in a non prejudice way that your fat by a professional kinda makes you move your *kitten* :laugh: f.y.i, he is sexy as all hell too. No bedside manner, but thats kinda why I like him. He tells it like it is. In plain terms.

I am certainly very happy to hear that it gets better. I do not want this to be this bad for the rest of my life. So begins my journey of getting in shape but mostly, being able to walk to the corner store without having an attack. Thanks everyone for the advice and the support.

eponine1976 · November 2011

I'm surprised your doctor hasn't had you try Singulair or Accolate which are oral meds that help asthma. I'm on Symbicort like you but it wasn't doing the job by itself. I noticed a big difference when my Pulmonologist added Singulair. One time I ran out for a few days and I noticed almost immediately that my asthma started getting much worse. The Singulair definitely helps. Accolate is very similiar to Singulair but is twice a day instead of once a day. However Accolate may be cheaper for you since earlier this year a generic version of Accolate came out. Most doctors prefer to prescribe Singulair though.

If your doctor isn't willing to try one of those and you are needing your rescue inhaler that often then you might want to try to get a second opinion from a different doctor as to whether Singulair or Accolate might help.

havalinaaa · November 2011

I generally have very mild asthma - only need to use a rescue inhaler a few times a month if at all - but exercise is the thing that will set it off the most. When I was in high school I decided enough was enough and joined the soccer team, even though I knew it was going to be hell on my asthma. The first thing we did every practice was run 1.5 miles, I could barely walk it quickly without needing the inhaler and I was otherwise in very good shape at that point in my life. But I slowly built up to being able to run with the middle of the pack. I wasn't the fastest, but I was no longer the slowest!

I did it by working hard on controlling my breathing. I would (and still do when doing any sort of fast walking/running) count my breaths in and out in a cycle, counting to 8. 1-4 breathing in through my nose, 4-8 breathing out through my mouth. Once I could do that and walk the mile without feeling like a gorilla was sitting on my chest, I started jogging - very slowly. Once I could comfortably do that, I would increase my speed just a little, always working within my comfort level. My goal was always to go as fast as I could without needing the inhaler. When I started actually running instead of jogging, I found I needed to breathe to a count of 10 instead of 8, and 12 once I started going at a decently fast pace.

That being said, running and other cardio that makes you breathe fast aren't the only things out there. Swimming is great cardio and has built - in breathing control, plus the higher humidity level is easier on the lungs - swimming is why I was in such great shape as a kid and I always found it so aggravating that I could beat my friends to the other side of the pool, but not to the other side of the playground. Taking a class like beginners yoga which focuses a lot on proper breathing might really help you as well.

Mallory0418 · November 2011

Yep, I have asthma too. Mine is mostly controlled at this point but I remember when it was at it's worst about a year ago. I know how frustrating it is! My doctor has me on Advair (taken 1-2 times daily) and singulair. I also have a nebulizor (sp?) and an inhaler that I keep with me at all times. As others have said, it DOES get better. Exercise, in my opinion, is one of the best ways to get your asthma under control. Start out SLOW, especially with your case being so severe. You will build your lungs' strength that way. Also, maybe try taking your inhaler a little sooner before you exercise? I used to use mine 15 minutes before exercise like you, but lately I've been waiting about 30 minutes after I take it to exercise and have noticed my warm ups are easier on my lungs and my chest doesn't hurt near as much as I get started. One more thing, drink a lot of water! It's great for you body all around but I honestly have noticed a difference in my asthma on days that I drink pop then days I stick to more water. Hope this helps!

Breathe easy :flowerforyou:

beyg · November 2011

Don't you have your own machine for the liquid meds?

Thanks everyone. And I have seen so many doctors over the years. Including specialists. The only one I liked is a general MD. The second best would be the one that delivered me as a child and was the one who noticed that I had asthma. I had this doctor a few years ago tell me that it was all in my head and that he was going to stop prescribing me my meds. I went to another doctor for a second opinion. That was the one who delivered me. He marched right over to my doctor and told him off. Then told me that if he refuses to give me my meds, he will do it for me.
I learned breathing exercises and techniques from my specialist, but he got all pissy with me when he realized I smoked and refused to help me further. I have since quit but because it is in my medical record, no specialist will touch me now. I am okay with that. The doctor I have now is very thorough and has helped me a lot more than the specialist did. He is the one who found symbicort. He also wrote in the hospital book that if I ever come in, I am not to wait. Just give me my meds and the mask and I can do the rest (which has been going on now for a year) No more waiting at the hospital for this gal. He also flat out told me "Jessica, your getting fat. Time to do something about it." Also something about my life already being shorter due to the amount of my inhalers I take and asthma in general as I have already almost died twice. Something about being told in a non prejudice way that your fat by a professional kinda makes you move your *kitten* :laugh: f.y.i, he is sexy as all hell too. No bedside manner, but thats kinda why I like him. He tells it like it is. In plain terms.

I am certainly very happy to hear that it gets better. I do not want this to be this bad for the rest of my life. So begins my journey of getting in shape but mostly, being able to walk to the corner store without having an attack. Thanks everyone for the advice and the support.

Any people here with asthma?

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