First asthma attack.

[Cybil001]

hi, I'm new to this community. So I've had exercise induced asthma since 2019. I'm a regular runner and Gym user,and have my asthma controlled with regular medication, I've recently noticed I've been a bit more breathless than usual whilst running, and yesterday, during a XC race I had my first asthma attack, which was a very frightening experience. I cannot put my finger on what triggered it as I was really mindful of my pace not being fast.

Any advice would be great.

[Troilus]

Hi Cybil

Sometimes it is very difficult to pin down the exact cause of an attack. I am a firm believer in taking peak flow readings on a regular basis.

My thinking is that if your (my) peak flows are on the high side then when you (I) come into contact with a trigger then I don’t get a full on attack. My theory is that if it is on the low side then a full on attack is likely to happen as you haven’t got the wiggle room. (Of course, I could be wrong.)

Have you contacted your asthma nurse? I ask because whenever I have had a full on attack I have been prescribed prednisone to get me back on top of things.

[Cybil001 in reply to Troilus]

Thanks for your reply. I've not taken a peak flow test in a while, and I have my annual review in a few weeks, no point trying to get an earlier appointment as this one was one that they rescheduled from next week.

it's really annoying as I felt really good and relaxed going into the race, knowing I didn't need to put any pressure on myself, as I used to. I've done the course a number of times over the years, so knew it wasn't a hilly or hard course.

Also I had 2 puffs of my pump 10 mins before (as I always do before a run) and I still had a reaction.

[Raining3]

I had exactly the same problem on Saturday and had to stop running and take Salamol (blue inhaler). Sunday I ran and no problem.

[Claire_ALUK Partner ALUK Asthma Nurse]

Hi Cybil001, why not give us a ring on the helpline - 0300 2225800 option 3 for nurses and have a chat, I'm sure we can help 😊

[Homely2 Administrator]

When my asthma is under control I can exercise reasonably well, if you are having trouble in a race, is it because your underlying asthma condition has deteriorated a bit.

Also I cannot do exercise unless I have warmed up well, my asthma hates going. straight into proper exercise

I envy you being able to race, I used to be able to do mountain marathons and do lots of munros, I am determined to get back to them.