Exercise induced asthma and running

Last July, I was competing in the Warrior Dash in Michigan when I found myself having trouble breathing. Long story short- After being helped from the course and taking a trip to the ER, I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma. I have been hesitant to get back out there running since then but am really feeling the pull lately and want to try. I was just wondering if anyone might have some advice or tips for doing this? I will definitely be carrying a rescue inhaler but is there anything more I can do to prevent this from happening again? Your response is appreciated. Thank you.

Take up hockey??  Just kidding...  Just thinking MI in July...everything is growing and all your allergies are in full bloom.  Just thinking you should build up your endurance (you decide whether you do it inside or out).  With the endurance build up, at some point you have to take it outside.  Over the years I had terrible asthma (I thought).  It ended up being some asthma and mostly heart blockage.  After a heart bypass I was able to gain endurance...but also gained weight.  With the gastric bypass I was able to deal with both catching my breath and get better exercise.  Again...Build up endurance (with the inhaler nearby) and see what happens.  My 2 cents...Brian  PS  Wondering if you have the same endurance issues in the winter?? 

Brian- Hockey??!! I have a good friend who keeps trying to talk me into playing but I keep getting a mental image of an elephant on rollerskates...LOL Maybe one of these days I'll try it. Until then, I better stick to running and doing triathlons. Thanks for the insight. I haven't ran much since last July so I really have no idea if endurance will be an issue in the winter. I intend to find out though.

i seem to remember several other folks on this board successfully deal with exercise induced asthma over the past couple of years.  some may still be on the board.  i don't have any specific advice or experience with it, but i would just slowly build up both your endurance and confidence (so much of this stuff is mental).  hopefully some of those with direct experience will chime in.

I'm working on building up the endurance again. I'd like to think I can get back to where I was last year and be able to run 5-7 miles without incident. I ran a slow, easy 2 miles last night with no trouble so, I guess that's a start. Thanks for the input.

 If you havent followed up with your regular healthcare provider, you need to.  Exercised induced asthma is more common than you might think.  It is important to use your inhaler BEFORE you start to exercise not wait until you start running and wheezing.   Again, contact your doc, and I am sure they will help.  If you dont get the information you need from them, ask for a referral to a pulmonologist (lungs specialist).  Best of luck to you!!!

Kat

Kat, thanks for the input. I'm actually scheduled to see my PCP next week and am going to ask for a referral to a pulmonologist.

 I have struggled with exercise induced asthma.  until last summer I would use my inhaler before every run and carry it with me...and often take a puff every 3 or 4 miles.

The heat and humidity really take a toll on me though, and I asked my PCP if there was something better out there - after some research I tried out taking Singulair (prescription) an hour or so before running.  AMAZING!  I haven't used my inhaler since!

Hot and muggy, cold and dry, Singulair has made a world of difference for me!!  I believe it's primary use is allergies, of which I have none.  go figure!

Sue, I was prescribed Singulair when I was first diagnosed but didn't start taking it until a couple of months ago. I DO notice a difference in many of the activities I do. I hadn't tried running again until last night but even that seemed to go well. I carried my inhaler with me...just in case...but didn't need it at all. Hopefully, the Singulair will do the trick for me. Thanks for the response. :)

 Singulair was going to be my recommendation to you. I've been on it for a few years.