Hay fever, asthma and running.

[zombie92]

Hi guys,

Wondering if anyone else is struggling to run with hay fever this year? It has made my asthma worse and I can't complete my runs outside any more.

I started running on a treadmill (1% incline) for a few weeks instead and got to around week 8 then had to take a few weeks off due to a knee injury (ice skating) i'm trying to get back into my runs outside because I miss them and the treadmill is boring. went back to week 5 today and couldn't even manage the first run because of my breathing.

Any advice or comments would be appreciated!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Sorry to read your post I can sympathise as I suffer the same. I'm on the injury bench so not running just now. However I on previous years have had to resort to a visit to the doctor who has prescribed anti histamine (there are only some tabs I'm able to take) Cetirizine Hydrochloride works well for me. I also take 2 puffs of inhaler before leaving home and take it with me just in case. Hope it settles down for you soon.

[spoonierunning Graduate]

I take the same anti histamine as oldgirl, try experimenting best time to take it some people find it works better if they take it before bed - I on the other hand generally have one in the morning and one at night (this is a dose that prescribed to me). You can also smear Vaseline under your nose to trap the pollen. Try taking your reliever inhaler (blue one) before starting your run. Also think about time that you run in relation pollen.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I don't suffer from asthma, but have had hay fever since I was a child. I use an allergy relief nasal spray, which clears and opens up the the nasal passages. This works well for me, in fact I suspect that it may have contributed to my parkrun PB a few weeks ago.

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Haha like the idea that your nasal spray contributed to a new PB, you would be disqualified in top class athletics probably for using enhancing drugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My eldest son uses a nasal spray he calls it his hooter's tooter

[ginbin Graduate]

I use my inhaler just before running (1 puff) and then another puff when I'm done.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I get hayfever. I was using the inhalers but this year I started using one called allergy defence. It's a fine peppermint mist but It creates a barrier that stops the pollen getting into my nose. I have to say I have had the best year ever coping with my hayfever this year. Definitely going to get it again.,

[beforefifty Graduate]

I too suffer from hay fever and have asthma. Like every one else has said I take an anti histamine (prescribed by my doctor as the over the counter ones do not have enough 'umph' for my symptoms). I take my blue reliever twice before I set off and take it with me. When I first started on the program I needed to have another puff on the reliever at the half way point but now on week 9 and don't need the mid way point one any more.

ON a positive note, I went for my annual asthma check up yesterday and my peek flow reading was 40+ over my previous best ever. The nurser asked me to do it again as she thought it was a mistake So if you can keep going it is very beneficial for asthma sufferers.

Btw, the practise nurse had never heard of C25K!

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to beforefifty]

I've had better asthma reviews by far since running, they were amazed the first year how big my improvement was. Sadly I'm still prone to chest infections in the winter which can set me back. Have just got used to it, had asthma since I was 3 months old after math of whooping cough

[beforefifty Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Mine started when I was 30 which I am told is unusual and 20 years later I think I am now getting used to it. I too suffer chest infections and sinus infections especially in winter, it can be so frustrating as they really do knock the stuffing out of you, don't they!

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to beforefifty]

I've just got over a bad session of sinus problems. Two lots of antibiotics did no good at all. Acupuncture cured it though thank goodness. I'm usually better in the summer apart from hay fever but have just got used to it all. Well you would at my age!!!

[beforefifty Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

I had seen your post on your acupuncture and you have inspired me to have a go for my sinuses. Antibiotics never seem to work.

[zombie92]

Thanks for your replies guys i really appreciate it. I'll take another look at my antihistamines and maybe get into the doctors for an asthma check too. xx

[lambeek Graduate]

Yeah, same here - asthma triggered by hay fever. Had a really bad week last week - could hardly walk across the room without collapsing in a coughing fit. I take over the counter anti histamine's - I take mine at night as they tend to make me drowsy - and I only run very early in the morning - 6am or before to avoid the pollen.

I have adult onset asthma too beforefifty - started in my mid 30s and was misdiagnosed as recurring bronchitis until I was 40 when it was finally picked up as asthma! I have started taking two puffs of Ventolin before I run and it made a HUGE difference. In the early weeks of the plan I was ok, but as soon as the 8 minute runs kicked in I struggled when I finished running, but the Ventolin before I start really helps - I did the first 20 minute run yesterday and felt like I could keep going for ages even when I got to 20 minutes!!

Got my asthma review next week so hoping that there has been some improvement!

[achydunlin]

Same here - asthma and hay fever sufferer. I take a puff of my blue inhaler before going out. I also take an anti-histamine every day during the pollen season - a nurse friend told me not to take one when the symptoms start - it's pretty much too late then, but to let it build up, so I take one every morning before I go out. Take care of when you run as well and where you run. I've found the mornings worse for my chest so I run mid-afternoon or early evening. I also avoid running when its very windy - that makes it much worse. I also smear my nose with lip balm to stop pollen sticking (weird I know) and I religiously rinse my eyes out when I get back - otherwise my eyes are streaming (I've tried running in sunglasses but it doesn't work but its a good idea if your eyes are affected). Good luck, as someone on here said running does help ease asthma symptoms over time.