Asthma and Working out......

I don't have really bad asthma, but enough to make cardio difficult.  What is the best way to incorporate a good breathing pattern while I run.  I go a half a block and feel like I want to die.  I would just like to be able to run again!! Any suggestions??

Personally, I would talk to your doctor.  When dealing with asthma, it can quickly turn deadly and for me that risk would be too high to accept any unqualified advice.

Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you.

It is not uncommon for endurance athletes to suffer from asthma, it's all that extra breathing I guess.  It is common for them to use an inhaler.  Have you talked to your doctor about this?

Are you doing any other activity successfully?  I don't have diagnosed asthma but I wheeze a lot and have had asthma attacks.  I would start off with walking first.  I've been brisk walking for cardio workout for 5+ weeks and feel a lot stronger.  I'm just starting the Learn to Run program and credit the walking for being able to start. 

If you are on medication, I would definitely ask your doctor first.   And for obvious reasons, try to exercise away from known allergens. 

I've always had a difficult time with running due to my asthma. If the air is too cool, or I've set too hard of a pace, or if I try breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. And if that wasn't enough, just thinking about my breathing pattern can trigger an attack!

My advice would be to take it slow and gradually increase the pace. Take lots of walking breaks before your breathing becomes labored. Myself, I've given up on jogging/running. It's hard on the knees and uterus! lol

Thank you for all of the wonderful advice!  The only advice my doctor gave me was to use my inhaler and not over do it.  It is just hard not being able to do the same amount of running as before....that and I haven't gotten use to having my inhaler w/me at all times.

queenmedia- i may just have to try yoga for my uterus' sake! hehe

I have asthma too! My best advice-- use your inhaler BEFORE you go and run to prevent a flare-up ahead of time. Also, running outside triggers your symptoms for many reasons: pollen & allergens, pollutants & car exhaust, tar & other irritants... Try a treadmill, gal. It's much easier to breathe fresh, filtered inside air.

I was born with asthma and have severe persistent asthma.  I am unable to do any cardio outside of the pool.  I swim laps every day for at least 60 minutes to try to build up the lung capacity and the endurance.  The best is to use your inhaler before and after according to your doctors instructions.  For instance, I take my inhaler two puffs as needed so I will do one puff before I start my workout and one after as a preventative.  Then if I need the rescue I use it as regularly scheduled.  I have been able to do some brisk walking low impact DVD's which has helped as well.  I am not sure I will be able to run but my suggestion would be to slowly work on endurance and then work on your speed.  Just try to regulate your breathing and make sure that you don't push it to hard at the beginning and find yourself puffing for air to get through or back home.  Just take it slow and easy and keep your breathing regulated. 

I would love to be able to regular cardio but if you have trouble with that I would highly recommending finding a place where you can swim for your workouts.  It helps with the breathing/asthma and allows you to workout at full force.  Some local hotels will offer monthly rates for swimming or various other places.  Email me if you have any other questions.  I have done a lot of research and have worked closely with my physician on exercise methods with asthmatics beings how I have been on the ventilator five times since May of 07 and seven times total in my lifetime.  I try to avoid having attacks if at all possible.

I used to have really bad asthma (I was in the hospital at least once a year from about fourth grade until college).  That all changed when I started taking advair.  Now I very rarely even have to use my rescue inhaler.  Before the advair, the one thing that helped me the most is similar to what others have said, use your inhaler before you exercise.  The only thing I would add is take it about 30 minutes before you actually start exercising.  This was the key for me.  Taking it right before never helped. 

I'm sure you already do it, because most asthmatic naturally do, but make sure you are using your diaphram to breath.  If you're not sure you are, lay on your back put one hand on your belly and one on your chest.  If you are using your diaphram, the hand on your belly will move a lot more than the one on your chest.   It does make a difference!

good luck!!!