Asthma anyone?

[Rivanariko]

I probably have asthma, but haven't been diagnosed because I don't want to :-P I have issues with inhalers though, do to some horrible experiences when I was very young. I'm absolutely terrified of them. So I won't go to the doctor because I'm afraid they'll give me an inhaler.

I don't hesitate to exercise at all. I make a point of building up to levels of exercise slowly, so it's not an issue as often, and I over-hydrate. Drinking water, for some reason, makes me breathe again.

My "asthma" seems to be triggered by a combination of exertion and heat. So I'm fine working out if the temperature is nice, but if it gets really hot, I have to be very very careful or I'll stop breathing. Mostly I just keep water on me all of the time and drink constantly, and that seems to stave off the worst.

[andygates]

That will be Exercise Induced Asthma, which is pretty common.

Again, ventolin a few minutes before training is most effective (you'll see plenty of athletes doing this if the Olympics are hot).

If you're going for a long time, keep the puffer with you in case you need a top-up (which is not always predictable). When I was doing short-course triathlon, I left one in my transition box. Now, salbutamol (the ingredient in blue puffers like Ventolin) is a WADA-restricted drug -- like many pipe-openers it's performance-enhancing if you don't get asthma -- so if you compete and use it, you need a doctor's note. Your club or federation can advise on protocol.

[AuroraNorth]

I probably have asthma, but haven't been diagnosed because I don't want to :-P I have issues with inhalers though, do to some horrible experiences when I was very young. I'm absolutely terrified of them. So I won't go to the doctor because I'm afraid they'll give me an inhaler.

I don't hesitate to exercise at all. I make a point of building up to levels of exercise slowly, so it's not an issue as often, and I over-hydrate. Drinking water, for some reason, makes me breathe again.

My "asthma" seems to be triggered by a combination of exertion and heat. So I'm fine working out if the temperature is nice, but if it gets really hot, I have to be very very careful or I'll stop breathing. Mostly I just keep water on me all of the time and drink constantly, and that seems to stave off the worst.

Just so you know, there are other options for asthma meds- it's not all inhalers. In fact, I never used an inhaler until a few years ago, and now I'm not even on that. A good pulmonary specialist is what you want. They can advise you on what's available.

[Ryan Sannar]

They say fish oil can help with asthma. As is an anti inflamatory.