I have had asthma since early childhood but really never experienced too many problems (Im 38 now) but ever since about 33 it seems like it has started to bother me more often. Here in the cornbelt allergy season for me rears its ugly head about mid july on so I start having troubles mostly after that. Doesnt seem to bother me except on speedwork days but sometimes not. This morning and last tuesday doing short repeats it hit me on the last repeat but on Thursday during long repeats it didnt bother me, Hmmm… Doesnt seem to be a huge factor on hard bike days. I dont use any type of inhaler except after an attack. I know it probably would be advisable to use it pre-speedwork days but I dont like the idea of meds. It makes me feel very “flawed” and like I shouldnt be competing in this sport if I cant do it without meds. How do you deal with the psychological component of it all?
See your doctor.
Here’s what she/he will probably tell you: the type of inhaler you use after an attack (typically ventolin/proventil), is not a good solution if you have repeated attacks. You should be taking a longer-term remedy, such as singulair, pulmicort, or aerobid inhaler. These typically take several weeks of regular use to be effective, but will subsequently reduce or eliminate the need for the ‘emergency’ inhaler.
Again, see your doctor. If you’re taking Primatene, see your doctor right now. BTW, online forums are a bad source for medical advice.
– Jens
I, too, have had asthma since childhood. When I decided to start running I had no choice but to use an inhaler. One puff before setting out and I was good to go - the attacks were inevitable otherwise. That was the practice for a very long time.
A couple of years ago there was a major deterioration that I attributed to sick building syndrome. I finally found a doc willing to hypothesize, and he put me on a morning nasal spray and an evening tablet. I was able to stop using the inhaler almost completely - right now I’m not sure I even know where it is.
The inhaler wasn’t a psychological impediment. It did bug me to be able to run 26 miles off of one little puff, while without it I literally could not run around the block. Taking a pill every night now amplifies that circumspection a little, but not enough to get me out of the sport.
Ironically, I have been told that it’s no excuse for losing - my lung capacity and function always check out just fine!
Check out Jackie Joyner-Kersee at http://www.galegroup.com/free_resources/bhm/bio/joyner_j.htm.
duman it sounds like your asthma is made worse by allergies. Talk w/ your doc about a nasal spray or an antihistamine in addition to your inhaler.
Are you heading to Dannon GA this weekend?
I have allergy induced asthma and recently the asthma/allergy specialist has put me on a good combination that really help me. My asthma/allergies really seemed to kick in when I turned 32. I am now 33. Go see an allergy/asthma specialist. They can get you breathing better, of course, tell them that you are a triathlete, and they should treat you according. Good luck and God Bless! Below is what I am on especially during allergy season.
Flonase: nose spray Once in the morning
Allegra: one in morning
Advair 250: Daily Inhaler: preventitive am and pm
PM: Singular
I have a rescure inhaler I use at races if needed.
Yeah, my asthma is pretty much just allergy induced. I do take daily meds, I take a small dose orally of theophylline twice a day which I have done for many years. I am reluctant to take an inhaled corticosteroid because I feel long term it could damage my lungs. My rational being that cortizone is shown to degrade tissue if used repeatedly such as injections for injuries etc… so why shouldnt low doses ihaled into your lungs do the same. I know Im probably just being paranoid.
I cant make dannon GA, I had some work stuff come up so Im keying on our regional champs Aug 29.
Long term studies have proven the INS meds to be safe. I probably still have some of those studies hanging around if you want to read them. Let me know.
I was diagnosed with maturity onset asthma just last month. I’m on Advair and an emergency inhaler (Albuterol). I haven’t needed the Albuterol since going on Advair. My bike and run times have steadily improved-already about 1-2%-now that my muscles are learning to train on oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and the assorted trash in the atmosphere. 
Actually, I’m only having a little trouble breathing on the WORST days, whereas before I was huffing, puffing and wheezing after about 20 minutes outside on just your average summer day here in Florida. I’m sure some places are worse…
See your pulmonologist or allergist. You will be much happier.
Good luck!
-Robert
Advair 250: Daily Inhaler: preventitive am and pm
PM: Singular
This is what I’m on too. With a rescue inhaler that I only carry on the run in races. This combo is working well.
clm
When I was living in the bay area I didnt have any trouble, guess I wasnt allergic to too much there. The only thing that bugged me was that wild anise that grew along alot of the bay trail. Made my throat itch and it stunk! I figured the smog and such would get me but it didnt.
Interestingly enough, I had moderate asthma as a child. It pretty much went away around 9 or 10, then in my 20’s I started having some difficulties again. One thing though is that I can train it away. When I am in good shape, it doesn’t bother me. It’s when I start slacking off that I start to have difficulties. Also, swimming and biking hardly ever cause problems, even when I am out of shape. Running almost always does when I haven’t run for a while. But then, as I said, once I start getting back into shape, it goes away.
I have hay fever and grass allergies that will trigger it too, although I have to be prectically rolling around in the stuff(mowing the lawn too) for it to affect me. I hadn’t taken any meds until a couple of years ago when I had a pretty bad reaction after playing around in some grass. I still rarely take anything.
Ed
I’m the captain of the Singulair Racing Team. I’ve been on the stuff for about 4 years, and in that time I’ve done an IM, 4 half IM’s, a couple marathons and lots of other long stuff.
That medicine has changed my life. I had asthma as a kid, and it came back 4 years ago when I was 35. I was shocked at how it had snuck up on me, and how much better I felt when I was given the Singulair. I hit an Albuterol inhaler before exercise, and I’m good to go. I’ve never had any symptoms or side effects. I’ve got a new lease on life. Psychological issues?? Not a chance. I’m so glad to be able to do endurance stuff like this, I can’t even put it into words. Treatments and medicine today are so much better than when I was a kid. My only regret is that I wasn’t able to take advantage of these treatments when I was young and my asthma was really bad.
– Big EE