Exercising with asthma - Asthma Message Board

innerstrength86 · 04-12-2007, 03:14 PM

Hi there

I just found out I have asthma today, well officially at least, but I have had trouble breathing for quite some time now.
My problems aren't that bad - just when I am active, so basically with ANY type of exercise (even when I'm just walking). The problem is that I REALLY enjoy exercising, and I don't think I will be able to give it up because of my breathing issue (unless of course I pass out,

).

What precautionary measures do you do before you exercise? (or during, or after...) Is there anything I should do that will help me breathe?

I now have an inhaler and will be bringing it with me to the gym. I should use it when I need it (as opposed to before exercise), right? (sorry if my questions are stupid...I'm so new to this subject!)

Titchou · 04-12-2007, 06:37 PM

What inhaler do you have? You should be on a daily preventive (Flovent, Advair, etc) and a rescue inhaler (albuterol, etc). I have asthma and jog. I use two puffs of Albuterol 20 minutes before jogging and have no problems.
You must not be going to a pulmonologist. I'd recommend you see one and talk about all these issues.

innerstrength86 · 04-12-2007, 08:00 PM

Thanks for your reply!

I am going to the university health center, so you're correct in saying I'm not seeing a pulmonologist. I was interested in finding out what I had (if I had something or if I was imagining it, really) and then I figured I could get better help as needed.

I have the Albuterol inhaler. Thanks for sharing your exercise "routine". I will give that a try - inhaler before exercise - tomorrow.

Titchou · 04-12-2007, 08:32 PM

Let me know how it works. Good luck.

innerstrength86 · 04-13-2007, 07:58 AM

So I used my inhaler before my workout and I noticed a HUGE difference during my exercise. I only took one puff (the "prescription" says take two), should I be taking two?

I worked out on two different machines, for about an hour total, and halfway through the second machine I started wheezing and coughing again. I used my inhaler again and it seemed to do the trick...I hope that was okay since I only used took one puff earlier.

I made an appointment with a pulmonologist next week so hopefully I'll be more knowledgable soon. Thanks for your help!