Asthma questions. Is my breathing normal or asthmatic?

[fuzzybabybunny]

When I was about 10 I was diagnosed with asthma. Was given an inhaler and stuff, but I have never used it nor have I ever taken any medications for asthma. I either just dealt with it, or I never really pushed myself so far as to need the inhaler.

But now I don't really know what is considered to be "normal" lung function while exercising.

I ran a mile yesterday on the track. 8 minute mile, 4 laps. On the 4th lap I was having trouble breathing in as deeply as I'm used to. Immediately after the mile I tried to do some deep belly breathing, and noticed that I definitely couldn't breathe in as deeply as usual. It was like my lung capacity had decreased.

I wish I had a breathing apparatus to actually measure the volume before and after exercise. Is it normal for people without asthma to experience a decrease in lung capacity while exercising? I'm thinking about bringing an inhaler with me next time I run so that afterwards I can do a few sprays and see if that opens up anything.

 

[jme5343]

For me, I experience something like what you describe. It's not an 'out of breath' feeling as much as it's the inability to take in enough air. I also have a little buildup of mucus when I'm suffering an attack - I need to spit more often.

Anywho, my advice if you're going to continue running or pushing yourself physically is that you ask your doctor about Advair. It's worked wonders for me. At the time I went on it, I was using serevent 2x/day and my rescue inhaler 2-3x/day. I use my rescue maybe a dozen times a year now, and ucually on cold days when I push myself harder than normal.

 

[magomago]

a) time for a doctor visit to see what you can or can't do
b) carry your inhaler if something goes bad
c) ramp up more slowly....maybe you can't push it that fast YET. If you really haven't done much exercise in your life I would think a mile run in 8 minutes would get you FAST. When I tried to start running again after a long lethargic period, even though I had run upwards 22 before, I was struggling much because I could feel that I couldn't breathe in as much
and the most important:
d) listen to other advice from people who actually know what they are talking about

but seriously...if you have asthma, visit your doctor so he can approve any exercise regime

 

[dakels]

Fuzzy, without repeating some of the good advice already stated, exercise should help you increase lung capacity or efficiency. People without asthma or some breathing disorder should not be losing lung capacity while exercising in normal situations. Asthma can be induced by many factors from exercise exertion, cold weather, allergies, etc. It sounds like you have some minor constriction. This could be remedied through medication, short or long term, exercise, and environmental change like low allergen (pollen/dust/fungus) areas, humidity and warmth, etc.

You should, of course, speak with your doctor about this. Getting a lung function test is very easy as well. As for Advair, whatever your doctor thinks you need is probably appropriate but I wouldn't ask for anything specific. Advair brand is pretty expensive and the ingredients can be gotten in generic form. You may not need daily medication either and an easy to get rescue bronchodilator may be the simplest solution.

 

[Safeway]

I went to the doctor to inquire about similar symptoms about a year ago. Turns out, my lung capacity is phenomenal. The culprit was anxiety. I so suffer mild anxiety attacks under stressful situations. Normally, I become short of breath, and my extremities begin to tingle due to lack of oxygen.

Turns out, exercising, and the adrenaline rush that comes with it, can induce these anxiety-related breathing problems.

Just a thought.

 

[lightstar]

you might wanna consider a peak flow meter to measure before and after exercise