General Discussion Triathlon Talk » I think my asthma is killing triathlons..... Rss Feed  
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2011-03-04 10:26 AM

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Subject: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

I've been a competitive swimmer since the age of 10.  I finished swimming for a division 1 university, and discovered a love for cycling.  This of course led me into triathlons and I was able to compete my first sprint tri last year. 

With this being said, I have always had asthma.  I swam the mile in college and rarely had to take my inhaler or Advair.  I have the exact same experience with cycling.  Unless, I'm sick I typically do not need my inhaler.  Running is a completely different story.  I have problems making it a mile without huffing on my inhaler, and getting the feeling my lungs are closing up.  It's just really discouraging to be first out of the water on the swim, front of the pack on the bike, and dead last on the run because I have to walk and take my inhaler constantly. I really want to like running, but it's terribly hard when I can't breathe most of the time.  I just don't understand why running would be so much worse on my asthma.  Anyone with similar issues or any advice??? Mostly I just need to vent....



2011-03-04 10:35 AM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

Although I too have asthma, I have the opposite issue: I'm most likely to have an attack during the swim, second the bike, and almost never on the run.

 

Some things I've found that helped:

1.) Going on Pulmicort (Steroid Inhaler) - This has really reduced my reliance on rescue inhalers.

2.) Using my rescue inhaler right before the gun goes off or pre-emptively before a swim if the pool room is especially muggy.  (i.e. Preventing attacks before they happen before known triggers.)

So, can you go on a steroid inhaler (one you use every day to prevent attacks) and/or use your rescue inhaler in T2/at the very beginning of the run before you start feeling wheezy?  Also, if you don't have asthma issues during slow, easy runs you might want to consider longer distances - your lungs just may not agree with the churn and burn of sprints.

 

Just my thoughts.  Of course, I've been feeling asthma-y and wheezy all day so you may not want to listen to me. *G*

2011-03-04 10:53 AM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

This should be an easy fix for an internist who's good with asthma or a pulmonologist. There are lots of great asthma meds these days and it does not sound like you would be particularly difficult to control.

Do you use a peak flow meter? It is possible that your daily control isn't as good as you think it is, and running only serves to make a low-grade problem more obvious. If so, you would benefit from a daily/routine inhaler as suggested above - and you will likely see benefits in your swimming and cycling from getting "super awesome asthma control" rather than just "I usually don't notice any problems" asthma control.

2011-03-04 10:58 AM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

Simple question for you...Are you sure that this is asthma?  What I mean is do you wheeze?  And can you feel the bronchial tubes constricting?  Or is it possible that it's a constriction of the esophagus?

I ask, because I have decided that what I and my Dr. assumed was asthma is not at all in my lungs but a closing off of my esophagus.

I have a heck of a time right after T2 during the first mile.

 

2011-03-04 11:36 AM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

I've lived with asthma my entire life, and it sucks.  I have the same problem as you do.  While I swim and bike, it's under control (if I take a couple puffs beforehand), but if I'm sprinting or running hard it flares up.  I have to run with my rescue inhaler on my body.  It sucks, but it helps (even if only to calm my mind, knowing I'm not going to drop dead of an asthma attack).  Cold weather helps my asthma; warm weather makes it worse.  Unfortunately my 2 A races are in August, so I'll really have to watch. 

I've had luck with Advair, but I'm not on it at the moment.  My rescue inhaler is ProAir.  I also have a nebulizer, and I take a full treatment before I have a race.  It really helps to clear the lungs.  Do you have a nebulizer at home?    

Perhaps another visit to the pulmonologist is in order.   

2011-03-04 11:54 AM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....
Honey, I think you just need to HTFU


2011-03-04 12:01 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

It's asthma for sure.  I already have a steroid inhaler and a rescue inhaler.  Honestly I haven't seen a pulmonologist in years.  My family doctor has just continued to prescribe the same thing over the years since I really haven't had serious problems...until now I guess.  Guess it's time to go to the doctor.  I'm happy to know others have the same problem.  It just seems strange that running of all things is what kills me.  I always have to carry my rescue inhaler in my hand or sports bra which is really annoying.  I forgot it on it run last year and collapsed less then 1/4 mile from my house.  Luckily I was able to walk home and slow my breathing, but I scared my husband to death.....

Speaking of husbands....honey get off my thread Wink

2011-03-04 12:01 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

sevrdhed - 2011-03-04 12:54 PM Honey, I think you just need to HTFU

Try and go out for a run while only breathing through a straw and see how long you last.

My guess would be to get better daily control. My asthma wasn't as controlled as I thought it was and it showed on the run. When I am running, my body is working much harder than on the bike or swim. I switched to symbicort and have had no issues at all. I still carry my rescue inhaler with me, but haven't sued it in about 5 months.

I've had asthma my whole life, and this is the best it has ever been.

I think a trip to the pulmonologist is in order.

2011-03-04 12:06 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....
aquabeast85 - 2011-03-04 10:26 AM

I've been a competitive swimmer since the age of 10.  I finished swimming for a division 1 university, and discovered a love for cycling.  This of course led me into triathlons and I was able to compete my first sprint tri last year. 

With this being said, I have always had asthma.  I swam the mile in college and rarely had to take my inhaler or Advair.  I have the exact same experience with cycling.  Unless, I'm sick I typically do not need my inhaler.  Running is a completely different story.  I have problems making it a mile without huffing on my inhaler, and getting the feeling my lungs are closing up.  It's just really discouraging to be first out of the water on the swim, front of the pack on the bike, and dead last on the run because I have to walk and take my inhaler constantly. I really want to like running, but it's terribly hard when I can't breathe most of the time.  I just don't understand why running would be so much worse on my asthma.  Anyone with similar issues or any advice??? Mostly I just need to vent....

2011-03-04 12:11 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

Well poop.....something happened where my reply isn't showing up. Don't feel like retyping so here is the short version: I thought my asthma was under control, and was just taking rescue inhaler as need. Went to the Dr last week and told me my asthma was not under contral and back on preventive Asmanex inhaler. Go to the Dr and see if your asthma is really as under control as you think.

2011-03-04 1:39 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....
scottyr7 - 2011-03-04 11:01 AM

Try and go out for a run while only breathing through a straw and see how long you last.

I only say that because she kicked the living out of me in our race last year. 6 minutes... in a sprint. Ouch.



2011-03-04 2:03 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....
Go see a Pulmanologist. Mine helped me so I didn't need to use inhaler for last few years. Running has always been the sport that tweaks it. Be careful as many asthmatics have issues when swimming in cold water.  I just got a cold that has really tweaked my asthma so I'm going to be on a couple of kinds of steroids and hope to get things under control again.
2011-03-04 2:11 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

If you're taking a rescue inhaler 3 or more times a week then your asthma is not under control and needs to be re-evaluated.

You could also consider whether you're going out too hard when you run.  If you're pushing yourself beyond your run fitness level you're more likely to trigger an asthmatic reaction.  Try dialing the effort backs a few clicks and see how your lungs do.  If you're already using a HR monitor find the range where you don't have an attack and train in that range.  If you're using RPE you may need adjust your idea of what easy feels like.

2011-03-04 2:51 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

I have the exact same issue; fine on the swim, bike, an attack on the run.

I've never had my asthma under control,  and I think I'm going to look into a nebulizer.   Right now I'm on Advair / Proair, its better than it has been but no where near under control.

I did have a rare attack in the water at IMSG, were the water was 53 degrees, thanks for bringing that up Kathy.

2011-03-04 3:53 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....
If your logs are accurate, and as a former swimmer who HATES to run; Once you see a Dr and get the asthma under better control, I think you need to try running very slowly more frequently.  I used to hate running and well still hate running, but am getting a lot better.  It really does just take time, patience, and slow running.
2011-03-04 4:04 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

I'm with ya.  Swim is no problem, I usually train without using the Rescue.  Biking is not much of an issue, but if I run, I always have to use Abuertol before I run.

I guess I am lucky, a couple hits in the beginning of a Sprint is enough to get me through to the end.  But if I have issues, it'll be on the run.

You might want to make double sure your not allergic to any of the gels/fuel you take during the bike and the run.  Something there might be messing you up.



2011-03-04 5:50 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

     I have mild asthma.  It didn't used to be mild, but diet has really helped me.  If I am going to have trouble breathing, it is always on the run just like you. 

     Asthma is an inflammatory disease as you already know, so do some research into ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS!  Just changing your diet might help a lot.  The doctors won't always take the time to sit down with a patient and discuss possible triggers (ie. pets, dust, certain types of exercise, and almost never discuss diet).  You should be eating a lot of fruits and vegis.  Cantaloupe is a great food also.  you can also take fish-oil as this has shown some natural anti-inflammatory properties. 

     When you take a puff of your inhalor, you are taking a compound that your body already makes.  (glucocorticoid, or catecholamines).  Your adrenal glands produce the natural remedy for asthma.  Also, do some research on foods that support healthy adrenal glands. 

    Growing up, the doctors had me on a ton of medicines.  But I have almost entirely eliminated the need for the meds by changing my diet and allowing my body to adjust.  That's my advice, take it or leave it.  Good luck, asthma is a pain!

2011-03-04 9:09 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

I agree with the guy who said the the pulmanoligist (spelling I am sure is wrong).  I had the lung doctor first diagnose me and put me on advair to try.  I ended up following up with my regular doctors who just continued perscribing the same medications.  I finally went to a doctor.  When I told him I was puffing on the emergency inhaler 3-5 times a day decided to send me to a lung doctor again I redid all the tests and put me on different meds.  Now my asthma is probably the most under control that it has been.  When I started running, which I didn't do much of, I started using the emergency inhaler fairly often.  As I got into better shape I didn't use the inhaler nearly as much.  I also take a couple of puffs prior to starting just to help prevent attacks before they happen.  Good luck to you.  

2011-03-04 9:16 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....
+1000 on seeing a specialist.  I am on Advair, allegra, singular and most of my rescue inhalers are sitting idle going past their expiration date.  There are other drugs but you need to see a specialist.
2011-03-04 9:52 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....
You've received a lot of good advice. Asthma control will make a big difference in your training and racing. A good asthma action plan would give daily control as well as enhance safe aerobic training. Use of a long acting beta 2-adrenergic agonist (LABA), Salmetrol as in Advair and I would assume Albuterol as your rescue inhaler, should be evaluated. A good rule of thumb is if you are using more that one  prescription/canister of your rescue inhaler per year you should consult your primary care provider or specialist and evaluate control of sympoms. Where ever you go make sure the asthma action plan meets your needs.

Edited by harlequinduck 2011-03-04 9:53 PM
2011-03-07 8:30 PM
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Subject: RE: I think my asthma is killing triathlons.....

My Current Asthma Med Cocktail:

Symbicort - one puff 2x/day, starting 4-5 days before a race two puffs 2x/day

Singulair - important to take at night.  Don't know why, but apparently your body responds to it better @ if you take it at night. 

Rescue Inhaler - As needed. 

 

Find a doctor, if he/she doesn't help you and make you feel much better (and just able to get a better full breath) then find another.  Good luck, treat it aggressively and it'll work out!  I started feeling MUCH better once I started taking the symbicort+singulair.  Even just throughout the day.  I got so used to not gettting a full breath that I didn't realize my asthma was impacting me!



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