Running in the cold

[itselenax]

Hi all! I hope someone will be able to help me. I've been running for about 3-4 months now with only a bit of difficulty from my asthma but obviously as it's now getting a lot colder, I've noticed my lungs are struggling a lot more. So does anyone have any ideas on how to combat this - e.g. inhalers, equipment? Thanks!

[TeachKat]

Hi - I’m no runner but cold air triggers my asthma too. It’s a good idea to use your reliever (ventolin or whatever) about 15 minutes before you go out and to wrap a scarf loosely over your mouth to warm the air before you breathe it in. I also find it helps to breathe through my nose. Good luck!

[itselenax in reply to TeachKat]

Hiya, thanks so much for the tips! I'll start to use my reliever inhaler beforehand - I was trying to avoid this if possible but seems like the only way at the moment. x

[Bridie108]

Yes, as other responder has said, breathe as much as possible through your nose. This will help to warm the air before it hits your lungs.

I used to run a lot and had to really focus on breathing through my nose when it was cold otherwise it felt like my lungs were full of needles and seizing up. Horrible.

The fact that you've been running a few months should help, as you be had a chance to adjust. I used to always take my ventolin beforehand and carry it with me as well. Just go steady and take a break for a couple of mins if you need to let your lungs rest a little.

Good luck

🙂

[itselenax in reply to Bridie108]

Thanks so much for the helpful advice! I do try to breathe through my nose but it gets so hard the further I am in my run so I always end up breathing through my mouth unfortunately. I will continue to try this though. Thanks!

[garywake]

If exercising in cold air I put a snood round my mouth which stops the direct cold air going into my lungs. Also breathing through the nose does help.