Exercise and Asthma

[Anonymous]

OK - about five years i developed adult onset asthma...majority of reasons, one of them (I'm sure) is that I was a long term smoker. Well, I have recently quit smoking and struggling with it daily. Because I have had a mid-life crisis, I have decided to tackle the 30 Day Shred....all of this being said, the asthma is really really frustrating. The workout shouldn't be this flippin hard, but the stupid asthma is so frustrating and slightly frustrating. This is my most immediate drama....when I take walks in the neighborhood, the asthma acts up, etc
Anyways - after my rant, my question is to the people who do have asthma...how do you regulate your breathing when you exercise?

[Anonymous]

I had adult onset, as well. Not a smoker but do have a family history for this.

Anyway, I know my triggers (illness, cool/damp weather, and certain allergies). I control with meds, basically. If I do the preventative stuff, then the bad flare ups disappear. If I don't, then the flare ups usu require an Emergency Visit, nebulizer and significant recovery time.

I'm sorry to say that it has gotten worse as I've gotten older and I'm on meds more than not, now. Combo of pulmicort (inhalant), fexophenadrine (sp?) for allergies, and albuterol. I run quite often now (all outside) and have tolerated this regimen well (after trial and error of various meds over the years). Good luck.

[Anonymous]

No one has asthma?

[Anonymous]

I've had asthma since I was a child and have struggled with it off and on. As other PPs have said, preventative measures are key. Singulair has worked very well for me, as has Advair.

I avoid exercising outside when it's cold - sucks, but that's the way it is.

I would recommend seeing an asthma & allergy specialist. Let me know if you need a recommendation.

I know it's frustrating - hopefully it will get easier as you continue to get into better shape.

[Anonymous]

I second the recommendations for Singulair (a pill) and Advair (powder inhaler) as controller meds that you take everyday to keep the inflammation under control. If your asthma is primarily exercise induced, you may need to use your quick relief inhaler before exercise. Learn your triggers and keep your home, especially your bedroom, as allergen free as possible. Wash all your bedding in hot water once a week. Use dust mite covers on your mattress and pillows that you can buy at Target. Have spirometry testing done yearly.

[Anonymous]

I've had asthma that is triggered by allergies and cold. This is what I do to work out. Be advised, this is what I do...and you may want to run it by your doctor first.
OK....
I drink a caffine drink...
caffine was the main drug in the asthma medications causing your heart to race a bit and opening your airways.
I take a puff of my albuterol
than I work out on the treadmill or elliptical
I drink a lot of water and have my inhaler close by....
That works for me...and you may have to see what works for you. Pls don't assume this will work for you and than pass out and come find me

[Anonymous]

I have "exercise induced asthma". I use an albutoral inhaler before I exercise. It helps a lot. But, running marathons will never be my thing.

Good luck!