Running with asthma

[Colleen1996]

Hi, just about to go on week3 run2 and loving it, which I am very shocked about! I was just wondering does anyone have any tips on running with Asthma? as when I did my first 3 min run on week three i found I became very wheezy.

[Bundoodle Graduate]

Asthma sucks doesn't it! Have a chat with your Dr or Asthma Nurse, they will probably be delighted you are running and only too happy to help with a plan. I use my blue Salamol inhaler 30 minutes before I run (2 puffs) and then take another puff as I go out of the door and that works well for me. If pollen is a problem try and run in the morning when it is less abundant and try to avoid really muggy damp times as they can make things worse. When it comes to the winter and it is cold and/or dry that can be a real pain so, if you can, breathe through you nose as that warms the air up a bit. You could also try to have something like a Buff over you mouth and nose as it gets a bit damp and 'moisturises' the air. Good luck and I hope you can come up with a plan that works for you, it may take a while but you will get there 👍

[Colleen1996 in reply to Bundoodle]

Thank you, yea it totally sucks!! But I never thought I would be able to run as I've had asthma since a child I've also got hay fever and other allergies. I am on regular meds but I think I might need a review on them as I would really like to stick this out.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I am an asthmatic and also hayfever sufferer. My top tips are:

1. take prescribed meds religiously

2. learn to breath- do you do yoga or anything?

3. wear glasses when running as stops the pollen

4. Always take a puff or 2 of your blue inhaler before a run and take with you

5. Relax your shoulders when you run and concentrate on breathing into your belly. If you get tense your chest will tighten, you will get wheezy and then the panic sets in!!

6. Upper body stretches before you run seems to open everything up ( for me anyway)

7. I find early mornings have the cleanest air and in Winter in temps below freezing can cause wheezing as the air is icy- a buff to breathe through helps

These may not work for you but have got me to achieve some wonderful things with my running

Well done and good luck on your journey...

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Perfect advice!

[Colleen1996 in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you for all your advice i will put it into practice and fingers crossed I will be able to run longer without wheezing.

[Holly303]

Speak to your asthma nurse - I saw mine last week & it turns out a lot of my wheezing is allergy reacting asthma rather than my general asthma.

I am already on a max dose for Salbutamol & taking too much Ventolin so my asthma nurse has put on Montelukast tablets in addition to my inhalers. I take 1 tablet each evening & I can honestly say they are amazing - I now feel like I can breath all the way to the bottom of my lungs for the first time ever!

Worth asking about them as when I read the leaflet that comes with the tablets they are also used to treat exercise triggered asthma - worth seeing your nurse & asking about it.

[Colleen1996 in reply to Holly303]

Thanks for the reply I am also on that tablet 10 mg maybe they do a higher dose?

[Holly303 in reply to Colleen1996]

I'm not sure as I've only been on them for a week 😃 They have certainly helped me though. I hope you find the answer, good luck

[LonelyWalker Graduate]

I followed the advice I got on here and saw the asthma nurse early on. She wanted me to stop using the blue inhaler so much, I was overdosing during runs she said! I never thought I'd hear that, so definitely worth going for a review when you can.

I've found now that running in the morning early with a cover over my mouth and nose (like a snood) helps the moisture and warmth to build up and keeps my breathing much calmer. I look daft, but feel more comfortable! But the more I've ran, the less my asthma has been an issue. I take my preventative inhaler religiously though, without fail. Don't miss a dose!