Running with asthma

[Lizzog]

I have asthma and mild bronchiectasis. I run around once/twice a week- around 3-5k so not very much. I’ve been on Fostair for a couple of years but don’t seem to be getting any benefit from it and still feel like I need my ventolin before exercise.

Has anyone swapped to seretide and seen an improvement?

[twinkly29]

It's difficult because inhalers are so personal so some people might say it's it's better, but others will say it's worse.

But it's something to discuss with your GP or nurse because if you're not controlled on the Fostair then maybe it does need to be changed.

[risabel59]

Hi there,I don't take the same medication, but do a lot of sport. I always use Ventolin before any aerobic exercise. I would say that the fostair is working okay if you are not having other breakthrough symptoms when you are not exercising. Ie night waking, or coughing during the day, triggering with laughing etc.

R xox

[Lizzog]

No I don’t have any other breakthrough symptoms - it just seems to be when I run

[risabel59]

Do use the Ventolin about 15 / 20 mins before Aerobic exercise. And always carry it with you. I do this in consultation with my specialist. He also advises the the British Olympic team on Asthma in Athletes. It's when you have a lot of other break through symptoms that you need to change things. Particularly having to use your reliever more when not exercising. If I am using my reliever more than twice a week when not exercising, I normally step up. (That is on my asthma plan). Also if you are a keen runner, (have to say it here, I ran the London Marathon to raise money for Asthma UK.). It is really worth looking at breathing exercises and running position, there are many on both YouTube and Running position. It's not going completely solve the problem of tightness when you run but may well help.I find that exercise makes the most enormous difference to how well I am with asthma. And I can get very unwell very quickly, but if I am very fit I can recover more quickly.

Hope this helps

R x

[Lizzog]

Thanks 😊 will take a look!