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Is It Safe To Run With Asthma?
I have had asthma since I was A child- I still have exercise induced asthma attacks, as well as asthma attacks at night. I have always got an asthma attack after exercise, however I am so interested in starting to jog/run- is this something I should even consider?
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I went through your query and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:
1. Exercise-induced asthma and night attacks of asthma indicate that your asthma is not well-controlled with drugs.
Were I treating you, I would suggest you regular use of asthma controller medications like daily montelukast and inhaled corticosteroids.
2. If you are already on regular controller medications, I would suggest you to consult your doctor and upgrade your controlled medicines.
3. As you have specifically asked about running/jogging, I will strongly emphasize on starting running/jogging as well as improve control of asthma. Please do not withhold yourself from exercise out of fear of exercise induced attacks.
This is, because asthma is basically a disease related to immune system (of course, affecting lung airways) and regular physical exercise is very helpful in improving immune system and asthma in a long run.
So I would suggest you to increase your medications to control asthma, start running/jogging and once asthma is improved, medications could be safely stepped down under your doctor's guidance. But please do not withhold yourself from physical exercise.
4. Personally I would also suggest you allergy testing which will help you identify the substances you may be allergic to and also to know the measures to avoid them.
Based on allergy testing, an Allergist-Immunologist may prescribe you allergen specific immunotherapy which gradually improves your allergies by working on immune system.
5. In general, please avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution as much as possible.
6. Regular breathing exercises (including Yoga & Pranayama) and a healthy diet rich in vitamins & minerals (adequate amounts of green leafy vegetables, fruits, sprouts, etc) will also help you in a long run by improving your lung capacity and immunity respectively.
Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.
Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.
Wish you the best of the health ahead.
Thank you & Regards.
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I went through your query and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:
1. Exercise-induced asthma and night attacks of asthma indicate that your asthma is not well-controlled with drugs.
Were I treating you, I would suggest you regular use of asthma controller medications like daily montelukast and inhaled corticosteroids.
2. If you are already on regular controller medications, I would suggest you to consult your doctor and upgrade your controlled medicines.
3. As you have specifically asked about running/jogging, I will strongly emphasize on starting running/jogging as well as improve control of asthma. Please do not withhold yourself from exercise out of fear of exercise induced attacks.
This is, because asthma is basically a disease related to immune system (of course, affecting lung airways) and regular physical exercise is very helpful in improving immune system and asthma in a long run.
So I would suggest you to increase your medications to control asthma, start running/jogging and once asthma is improved, medications could be safely stepped down under your doctor's guidance. But please do not withhold yourself from physical exercise.
4. Personally I would also suggest you allergy testing which will help you identify the substances you may be allergic to and also to know the measures to avoid them.
Based on allergy testing, an Allergist-Immunologist may prescribe you allergen specific immunotherapy which gradually improves your allergies by working on immune system.
5. In general, please avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution as much as possible.
6. Regular breathing exercises (including Yoga & Pranayama) and a healthy diet rich in vitamins & minerals (adequate amounts of green leafy vegetables, fruits, sprouts, etc) will also help you in a long run by improving your lung capacity and immunity respectively.
Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.
Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.
Wish you the best of the health ahead.
Thank you & Regards.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
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