Can anyone give me any advice re jogging and asthma?

[DAHR]

Hi all, I've completed the C25K programme, finished it about 6 weeks ago. I managed all the jogs, have been feeling quite proud of myself and have now got up to being able to jog for 5k non-stop, albeit quite slow. Unfortunately as the weather is turning colder, I am now developing asthma symptoms. I am not usually an asthma sufferer, but did jog some years ago and was given an inhaler for when I jogged when it was cold then which seemed to do the trick. I've started using the inhaler again but now I seem to have the symptoms on the days I do not jog as well I have an appointment with the doc next week to discuss it but just wondered are any of you asthma sufferers and how do you manage it with jogging or running? I really don't want to have to give it up now that I've completed the programme but don't know anyone to ask if it is possible to be an asthmatic jogger?? Any advice would be much appreciated thanks x

[Hidden]

Everything Ive read says running helps asthma. I dont have actual asthma, but I do have a congested chest because of allergic reaction to pet hair, aerosols, cigarette smoke etc. I have an inhaler and take two puffs before a run, and it helps, but i really struggle with slopes and hills, of which there are many here (my heart rate goes too high as my body attempts to get enough oxygen into my bloodstream), But it’s slowly improving. I would guess it will be the same for you. I hope your GP can shed some more light on it. Mine was very helpful.

[DAHR Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you FlickM3 - I very much appreciate your response and advice. I am finding hills very challenging and have difficulty taking in enough air but hopefully my doctor will have suggestions so that I don't have to stop doing this - I'd be gutted! Best wishes x

[PetrinaB Graduate]

Your GP will sort things out with the right tests. Lots of people with asthma do lots of exercise, including running but with suitable preventative and relieving treatments on board. Take it easy until your appointment- the weather is set to be really cold this weekend. Take care!

[DAHR Graduate in reply to PetrinaB]

Thanks very much PetrinaB. I really appreciate your good advice

[LiisaM Graduate]

My son has asthma, too. He can't run without using his inhaler first, but he has found that he LOVES running. He's a C25k graduate and had asthma before he started the program.

[DAHR Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Thanks so much LiisaM - that really does give me a positive feeling. I've been worried that I will have to stop, but it seems that is not the case. Best wishes to your son and hope he continues to enjoy his running

[Trying2run Graduate]

I'm asthmatic - I take my inhaler when I put on my running socks and then I'm not bothered by it during my run. But I do wonder whether (now I am fitter) I would be able to run without taking it first, but I'm going to wait to do that experiment once I have graduated in case I sabotage one of my runs.

[DAHR Graduate in reply to Trying2run]

Thanks so much Trying2run. I guess I've been a bit worried that the doctor might say that having asthma means that I will have to stop running. I really don't want to after coming all this way and have been enjoying going out in the early mornings, building up slowly to 5k. Your reply gives me hope that I can deal with this and not for it to be an issue

[VictoriaRuns Graduate in reply to DAHR]

Oh I'm sure they wont say that! I have had asthma since I was wee and I've never been discouraged from physical activity by my GP.

[Trying2run Graduate in reply to DAHR]

No it won’t stop you running at all. Good luck

[DAHR Graduate in reply to Trying2run]

Thank you

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I'm asthmatic, I've used a brown preventer inhaler for years. Mostly that controls my as

thma perfectly, sometimes I might use the blue relief one before a run if I feel a bit wheezy but mostly not. Make sure you tell your doctor you are running, they will help you sort out if you need another/different inhaler. They won't tell you to stop, they'll just want to be sure it's controlled properly.

[DAHR Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thanks Curlygurly2, I really appreciate your reply. I really struggled with my last jog despite using the inhaler that the doc prescribed quite some time ago (it's still in date) but it's good to know that you're managing and that it hasn't stopped you at all. I will have a good chat with the doc next week and see what he can suggest.

[AnnieW55]

Another thing to do is get a buff (see Google) or a scarf and cover your mouth, it helps to warm the air before it hits your lungs. Don't forget to take your inhaler with you on longer runs.

[DAHR Graduate in reply to AnnieW55]

I've seen people wearing scarves over their mouths .... I'll check them out! Thank you for the tip

[Theziggy Graduate]

All I know is that an asthmatic Parkrun friend has told me that it has really improved his asthma beyond belief.

[DAHR Graduate in reply to Theziggy]

Thanks Theziggy - hopefully it will do the same for me too