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Cold Reactive Asthma
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 2008-10-08 1:47 PM |
Extreme Veteran  307 |  Subject: Cold Reactive AsthmaI've checked the old forums & don't see an answer to this one: I've got a pretty reactive airway & am not supposed to go outside when the temp is below about 55 degrees. OMG I cannot imagine being trapped inside all winter long this year!!!!!!! So, I was thinking about getting one of those 1/2 face masks in fleece, but I'm concerned it will be too hot. Does anyone have one or know if they work? Any other ideas? I see my doc tomorrow & I'm sure he won't have any great ideas...he's a couch potato - nice guy, but not much into sports. Thanks! Kim
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| 2008-10-08 2:26 PM in reply to: #1727646 |
Pro 4612   MA | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma I get cold-induce asthma, but don't react until it's around freezing. By then I just take a puff of albuterol before going for a run. |
| 2008-10-08 6:52 PM in reply to: #1727646 |
Master 1993  Riverside, IL | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma What kind of meds are you currently taking? Are you on a fast-acting inhaler (albuterol) or a preventive (Advair, serevent, etc) one? I used to be greatly affected by cold air and leaves in the fall season. But ever since I've been on preventive meds (I'm on Advair and Singulair) for the last 6 years or so, those things don't cause a flare-up anymore. |
| 2008-10-08 10:06 PM in reply to: #1727646 |
Extreme Veteran 307 | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma Oh, you want to know what meds I'm on...
See the problem? Maybe I'm just reaching here, but I REALLY don't want to give up working out! That's why I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the face masks. I've been having so much fun this summer & have made such great progress - NO SYMPTOMS!! I just hate to be a victim. Lucky I live in Florida where it's warm most of the year!! O.k. - everyone run from the thread now!!! |
| 2008-10-09 7:18 AM in reply to: #1727646 |
| Regular 53 The trail capital of Canada | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma Wow That's some list!!! I have (had) asthma, and was using Advair and ventolin (preventative, rescue) But once I lost weight and learned to breath, I found I was able to dump the meds al together. I picked up a book on asthma breathing techniques, it was a bit hokey, but the jist of it was to control your breathing and that made a substantial difference in my ability to control my asthma! If you're going to get a face mask, I'd get a neoprene snowmobilers type half mask. They are much better than the fleece ones and don't absorb the moisture from your breath. |
| 2008-10-09 10:08 AM in reply to: #1727646 |
Science Nerd 28760 Redwood City, California | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma I've had the same problem, although usually when the temps are below freezing. Advair all year round and albuterol before running really help. What dose of Advair are you on? You might need to increase it. As far as a mask, I've worn the things that go around your neck and pull it over my mouth and nose when I have problems. Avoid fleece. I have a plain knit one (almost like a jersey fabric) and that works a lot better. The fleece makes it too hard to breathe. |
| 2008-10-09 10:58 AM in reply to: #1727646 |
Extreme Veteran 307 | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma |
| 2008-10-09 1:02 PM in reply to: #1727646 |
Expert 1288 Hatboro, PA | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma I have a "mask" that covered the lower part of my face. Mine was bought at Eastern Mountain Sports, but I don't think EMS is a national chain. Most sporting goods stores have some sort of special cold weather mask. I second the decision to watch the type of fabric, as some fabrics don't release breath moisture easily. |
| 2008-10-09 3:27 PM in reply to: #1727646 |
Champion 7704 Williamston, Michigan | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma Sweat pea you live in FLORIDA.......the number of days below 55 ALL day will be few and far between....no worries |
| 2008-10-09 7:54 PM in reply to: #1729380 |
Master 1993 Riverside, IL | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma ggwellness - 2008-10-08 10:06 PM Oh, you want to know what meds I'm on...
See the problem? Maybe I'm just reaching here, but I REALLY don't want to give up working out! That's why I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the face masks. I've been having so much fun this summer & have made such great progress - NO SYMPTOMS!! I just hate to be a victim. Lucky I live in Florida where it's warm most of the year!! O.k. - everyone run from the thread now!!! Wow...pretty extensive list of meds, there. Also looks like you suffer from a lot of allergies, correct? Is it possible that the trigger is something in the air during this time of year, and not the temperature of the air itself? Just throwing out ideas here. I do have one question regarding your Advair use - you wrote that you start using Advair in August or September...does that mean that you're not using it year-round? I was always under the impression (and also told by my doc) that Advair is a preventive med that needs to be used every single day regardless of whether a person is symptomatic or not. If you're not using it everyday, year-round...then perhaps that could be part of the problem. |
| 2008-10-11 4:03 PM in reply to: #1727646 |
Extreme Veteran 307 | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma Not using Advair year-round as part of the management plan approved by my Allergist/Asthma specialist doctor. Yes, there is both an allergy component & a cold-reactive component here. But, great news. My pulmonary function test yesterday showed that my lung function has improved 113% since I started triathlon training!!!!! My doc is so incredibly impressed! He still isn't thrilled about me exercising outside, but is o.k. with it if I can find the right mask or barrier to use to warm the air I breathe. So, I'm just going to start looking around & see what I can find & give it a whirl. What's the worst that can happen? I will only try these things out when I've got a partner with me & my meds - so if I get in trouble, help is right there & knows just what to do. ONWARD & UPWARD!!!!! |
| 2008-10-11 4:24 PM in reply to: #1727646 |
Master 1993 Riverside, IL | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma Well it sounds like you've got a plan and you're on the right track. Congrats on the lung improvement...that's a huge increase!!! Best pf luck to you in finding a mask that works for you.  |
| 2008-10-17 7:58 AM in reply to: #1727646 |
Member 7 | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma Well done on your efforts to overcomming it! I have the same problem, but much milder. I find chewing two pieces of gum helps while I am out cycling. I may not actively be chewing it whilst cycling, but (I think this is the reason :-/ ) but the heated mass of the gum helps heating the air as it comes in... |
| 2008-10-20 12:53 PM in reply to: #1727646 |
Expert 1091 Madison | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma I use a neoprene face mask that covers the lower half of my face. I got it at an outdoor sports shop. It really helps with the breathing issues in cold weather, although my problems are not as severe as yours. I have used it in below zero weather and it helps a lot. |
| 2008-10-21 1:17 PM in reply to: #1727646 |
Veteran 252 Chicago and therabouts | Subject: RE: Cold Reactive Asthma A little late on this but...a few questions. JT |
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