Connection with asthma and obesity?

[Howitt44]

I was just wondering how many people that have been diagnosed as an adult with asthma are overweight? I am curious because, I didn't start having lung issues until my kids were both in school all day and I was a stay at home mom. I started gaining weight and really just letting my health go; stomach problems, frequent colds and coughs. I started worrying a lot more, too, I think I was having some bouts of depression. Anyway, I know that asthma that is diagnosed as a young child is usually a little different that us adults. They have full blow attacks, but when on medication they are usually normal or near normal. Asthma diagnosed as an adult frequently is associated with other problems also like GERD, VCD, sinus infections, bronchitis. We often don't have full blown attacks, but chronic symptoms. This is just an observation. I guess what I'm getting at is this: Would the adult asthma improve with losing weight, GERD controlled, and just a basically healthier lifestyle? This is my next challenge, to do all of the above!
Cindy

[PinkBananaz]

Originally Posted by Howitt44

I was just wondering how many people that have been diagnosed as an adult with asthma are overweight? I am curious because, I didn't start having lung issues until my kids were both in school all day and I was a stay at home mom. I started gaining weight and really just letting my health go; stomach problems, frequent colds and coughs. I started worrying a lot more, too, I think I was having some bouts of depression. Anyway, I know that asthma that is diagnosed as a young child is usually a little different that us adults. They have full blow attacks, but when on medication they are usually normal or near normal. Asthma diagnosed as an adult frequently is associated with other problems also like GERD, VCD, sinus infections, bronchitis. We often don't have full blown attacks, but chronic symptoms. This is just an observation. I guess what I'm getting at is this: Would the adult asthma improve with losing weight, GERD controlled, and just a basically healthier lifestyle? This is my next challenge, to do all of the above!
Cindy

Obesity most certainly is a huge predisposition to asthma.
Think about it..all those extra pounds resting on your lungs.
Any website you go 2 will tell you that being overweight can make asthma much worse. I have a friend who is pretty overweight and her asthma is often hard 2 control. Makes me think that if she lost weight, things would be a lot easier 4 her. But then again I realize how hard it can be with steroids, etc.
Also GERD can be a sole cause of asthma even. To quote swimfast..it's like inhaling lemon juice. It's horrible for your lungs-it eats away at the lining wherever it touches. Once it's controlled and the damage reversed, you may find your asthma a lot easier 2 control.
A healthier lifestyle will definitly help asthma. I find that doing cardio regularly, making the intensity easier for a longer period of time works wonders on the lungs, much better than high intensity, shorter periods of times. If you get yourself just to the point of exertion & breathlessness, then slow down a little bit, keep going-that's a great pace, your challenging yourself without compromising your lungs. Cutting back on salt in your diet would help also. Also environmental changes make all the difference.. wood floors, air filters, allergy proof bedding, etc. Oh and don't do any exercise if you can outside or anywhere dusty or moldy or where its very hot or cold. It's rough on your lungs and could cause an attack! You could also benefit from some weight training..muscle speeds up your metabolism.
Well hope this helped.

[jerrie97]

Originally Posted by Howitt44

I was just wondering how many people that have been diagnosed as an adult with asthma are overweight? I am curious because, I didn't start having lung issues until my kids were both in school all day and I was a stay at home mom. I started gaining weight and really just letting my health go; stomach problems, frequent colds and coughs. I started worrying a lot more, too, I think I was having some bouts of depression. Anyway, I know that asthma that is diagnosed as a young child is usually a little different that us adults. They have full blow attacks, but when on medication they are usually normal or near normal. Asthma diagnosed as an adult frequently is associated with other problems also like GERD, VCD, sinus infections, bronchitis. We often don't have full blown attacks, but chronic symptoms. This is just an observation. I guess what I'm getting at is this: Would the adult asthma improve with losing weight, GERD controlled, and just a basically healthier lifestyle? This is my next challenge, to do all of the above!
Cindy

Yes, it's very possible that by having a healthier lifestyle, you can control asthma better. Do you take anything for GERD, like Nexium? Some people can take acid reducers like Nexium or Prevacid for a while and find that their asthma symptoms will gradually stop. I'm not saying stop your other asthma medications, I'm just saying that with a doctor's help, you may be able to cut your controller medications down to just Nexium (or Prevacid, or whatever you take), if in fact your asthma is being caused by GERD. However, I've found that many respiratory diseases, and illnesses in general, have been blamed on GERD. Some doctors believe this theory, others don't.
Losing weight also can also help not just asthma, but GERD as well. Losing as little as 10 pounds can really make a difference.

Good luck!