• Question: is it possible to run without asthma flaring up? any suggestions? (yes i have asthma :D)

    Asked by angiestarfishbro to Lyn, Katy, Paul, PB, Ruth on 24 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Ee Lyn Lim

      Ee Lyn Lim answered on 24 Jun 2013:

      I don’t know very much about asthma, so I had to look this up! I found this page that specifically tell you all about asthma that flares up after exercise: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/asthma_exercise.htm

      I think the main points are these:
      1) Use your inhaler before you start running, to head off the flare-up;
      2) It’s best not to run on cold days, because that dries out your airways even more (maybe try exercising indoors?);
      3) Breathe through your nose when you run, because it will help moisten the air;
      4) Do warm-ups before you run – not entirely sure why that works but apparently it helps!

      I hope this is a little helpful! But always ask your doctor before you do any marathons, alright? 🙂

    • Photo: Katy Brown

      Katy Brown answered on 24 Jun 2013:

      Yeah, I would have to say speak to your doctor! If you are going to run, start gently and work your way up to be safe.

    • Photo: Peter Balfe

      Peter Balfe answered on 24 Jun 2013:

      Several olympians have had to deal with asthma. So it can be done.

      Weird fact, very very highly trained athletes with intense training regimes have a blunted and relatively ineffective immune system, making them more susceptible to colds etc.. One of the tricks in the 2012 Olympic run up for cycling was getting in some of our surgeons to show the athletes how to wash their hands! Apparently it made a difference.

    • Photo: Paul Waines

      Paul Waines answered on 25 Jun 2013:

      I think Lyn has given a great answer- hopefully you’ll grow out of it, some people do…

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