Breathing

[Sp81]

I struggle with asthma like symptoms when I’ve picked up something viral or hay fever season. I’ve been having 2 puffs of ventolin before I run as this week I feel a little under the weather and quite breathless, my runs have been quite rubbish this week. Any asthma sufferers out there to offer some of your useful tips?

[backintime Graduate]

I empathise, I ran the whole of c25k indoors on a treadmill because of asthma brought on by allergies.

If you are already using your inhaler, I can only suggest working out when the allergen is at its lowest and running then. Often very early morning or late at night...

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Do you have a brown (preventative) spray too? Ideally, first thing in the day before you run, take a small puff of ventolin (blue/lilac) to open your airways, then a dose of the preventative/long-term (brown) spray to keep those airways working well throughout your exercise. (Ventolin type sprays - blue - are really for when your breathing is actually already compromised and you are wheezy).

You may also find that the use of an ‘over-the-counter’ antihistamine pill will prevent any allergens you encounter along the way from reaching your lungs. Make sure you get non-drowsy tablets.

Try to discover which of the potential allergens you are reacting to - there are loads and some occur at different times of the summer season/day: leaf buds, first grass growth, pollen from catkins, flower blooms, cut grass, dry hay, traffic exhaust, leaf fall etc etc......if you discover the trigger for your asthma, you might be able to reschedule you running (route/time of day) to avoid that/those in particular. Good luck

[Jell6 Graduate]

From Asthma UK.

Sorry it wouldn't let me copy a link🤣

Staying on top of your asthma is the best way to cut your risk of an attack from exercise

Take your preventer inhaler (usually brown) regularly, as prescribed

Check with your GP or asthma nurse that you’re using your inhaler correctly

Use an up to date written asthma action plan and keep it where you can see it (on the fridge, for example).

Go for regular asthma reviews.

See our expert nurse advice for more tips on managing your asthma.

Other tips for cutting your asthma risk when you exercise:

Carry your reliever inhaler (usually blue) with you and stop and take it if you get symptoms. There’s no need to take it before exercising.

If you’re exercising with someone else, make sure they know you have asthma, and that you have a blue reliever inhaler with you.

Warm up and warm down for 10-15 minutes before and after exercising.

Check the weather forecast and avoid exercising when it’s too hot, or there’s pollution or pollen around.

If your asthma symptoms are interferring with you exercising, ask your GP or nurse to include this on your asthma action plan.

Tips for exercising in cold weather when you have asthma

In colder weather, symptoms are even more likely during exercise, because cold, dry air can irritate your already sensitive airways.

One way to avoid this problem is to exercise indoors during the winter months.

Or, consider doing less vigorous exercise if you’d like to be outside – go for a power walk instead of a run, for example.

Make sure your chest and throat are covered and keep a scarf around your nose – this helps warm up the air, so it’s less likely to set off your symptoms.

I hope this helps. 😊