Exercise and asthma? - Asthma Message Board

Marlena · 02-22-2004, 12:37 PM

Hi, I've been working out for quite a while now. I was a little lazy for a few years (meaning I WAS out of shape), but for the past year I've included different types of exercises in my daily routine, so I definitally don't think I'm out of shape anymore.

Last month I've started walking/running, but the problem is I really can't run for too long. I get out of breath really fast (within 2 or 3 minutes of running) and it starts to hurt (my chest/lungs). i never had any resperatory problems (that I know of) before. I have allergies to pollen but that's about it. I've told my mom about the difficulty breathing while running and she told me that she never had problems like that and she smoked from when she was pregnant with me until I was 16. Apparently second hand smoke is worst than smoking, but there was really nothing I can do about that now.

I don't know if this is a problem, it's probably not asthma since I've never had it before. But I think it is, cause I heard exercise can trigger asthma. I came here because I was wondering if it could be asthma??

PinkBananaz · 02-22-2004, 12:53 PM

I'm the same way with running. I'm not out of shape~ I'm a gymnast! I just can't run, its tooo hard..most people I know with exercise induced asthma are the same way, their in shape but they can't run.. get really out of breath if I run within a few mins, then for days, sometimes weeks afterwards I cough & often have an asthma flare up, ESP if it's outside in cold weather, high pollen times or really hot weather.
You should see your doctor and he will prolly prescribe an albuterol inhaler which helps a TON 4 exercise induced asthma(as long as that's the only problem and there isn't inflammation already there in your lungs).
Have you also considered anemia? It can cause poor tolerance 4 exercise also, plus it is supercommon in women of child bearing age(do u have heavy periods at all? if so its a huge possibility). If that's a possibility, ask your doctor for a CBC(complete blood count), and if your RBC(red blood cell) count is low, you can take iron pills daily which will help.
Hope this helps~=)

Marlena · 02-22-2004, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PinkBananaz

I'm the same way with running. I'm not out of shape~ I'm a gymnast! I just can't run, its tooo hard..most people I know with exercise induced asthma are the same way, their in shape but they can't run.. get really out of breath if I run within a few mins, then for days, sometimes weeks afterwards I cough & often have an asthma flare up, ESP if it's outside in cold weather, high pollen times or really hot weather.
You should see your doctor and he will prolly prescribe an albuterol inhaler which helps a TON 4 exercise induced asthma(as long as that's the only problem and there isn't inflammation already there in your lungs).
Have you also considered anemia? It can cause poor tolerance 4 exercise also, plus it is supercommon in women of child bearing age(do u have heavy periods at all? if so its a huge possibility). If that's a possibility, ask your doctor for a CBC(complete blood count), and if your RBC(red blood cell) count is low, you can take iron pills daily which will help.
Hope this helps~=)

Hey, thanks for the help. I don't think I'm anemic. I take B12 and B6 everyday and a multi-vitamin with iron. Also, I'm never really tired either, only around the time that I have my period. I don't have heavy periods anymore either.

I still don't know if I could have asthma? Do you think that's what it is? The thing is I just try not to run too much. I walk fast (for the exercise), but I wish I could run! Well, I'll definitally go talk to my doctor about that soon.

Thanks again!

jp3892 · 02-22-2004, 03:32 PM

The best way of determining whether u are out of shape or have asthma is to try this:

Since u are in a gym, try running on the treadmill at a very slow rate (something like 7-8 km/hr but varying for each person). Keep going at this rate for about 1.5 or 2 km (its very boring but bear with me for this once-off test!). If u still feel fine after this then slowly increase your speed by a km/hr for every half km up to your preferred maximum. If u are very unfit you won't be able to reach this stage but if u are fit (even with asthma) then u should be able to. I won't go into why in this post.

Also if u are curious. Start out running at a fastish pace (~12/13 km per hour) and try and keep that up. If u have asthma u might not be able to get past the half km distance!!! Of course do this experiment on a different day to the other one. Also carry a reliever inhaler with u at all times.

hc85 · 02-22-2004, 05:30 PM

It could very well be possible. I would check with your doctor. In fact, people who have allergic disorders (like your pollen allergies) are two times as likely to develop asthma in their older years.