exercise -inducted asthma

[ravs2k6]

I have excersize-induced asthma and was wondering if anyone else with this problem has run a marathon and has any tips/advice they would like to share. I ran cross-country in high-school and some of college, but my running has slowed the last few years as I have had two kids. I am shooting to resume running and would like to do the St. George (Utah) marathon in a year and a half with my sister (also with asthma). I know my doc can give medical advice, but I am not looking for medical advice here as much as tips or help from other runners. I have always wanted to do a marathon, and am looking forward to the challenge. Thanks!

[Peace_Hope]

How do you prevent your child from developing exercise induced wheezing or coughing?
Exercise related coughing or wheezing can be prevented by using simple safe medications (asthma pumps) before exercise.
Examples of effective medications include (see leaflet "Asthma medicines and how they work")

Reliever (bronchodilator) inhaler pumps e.g. fenoterol (Berotec) 1 puff, salbutamol (Ventolin or Venteze) 1-2 puffs or terbutaline (Bricanyl) 1 puff, 10-15 minutes before exercise.
Reliever bronchodilator dry powders e.g. Berotec inhalers, Bricanyl turbuhalers or Ventolin rotacaps, Ventodisks or Ventolin Accuhaler.
Preventer mast cell stabilisers e.g. sodium cromoglycate (Lomudal) - 1 puff.
Reliever nebulised bronchodilators - effective but cumbersome. How do I treat my child once the exercise related coughing or wheezing has already happened?
Use a reliever bronchodilator. Sodium cromoglycate, theophyllines and inhaled steroids will not relieve symptoms once they have started.

If my child gets an asthma attack during a sporting event, when should the exercise be stopped?
Prevention is always better than cure. If the attack occurs despite use of a reliever medication before the exercise, repeat this medication during the exercise when the chest gets tight. If the symptoms continue the exercise should probably be stopped.

How soon can my child resume exercise after an attack?
Usually children whose peak flow reading has returned to within 80% of the value expected for their height, are able to exercise normally and safely. Your doctor can assist you in making this decision.

Are there any ways of preventing exercise induced asthma without using medications?
As the medications are safe, using them is the best way to control exercise induced asthma. However, if you warm up first with some stretching and slow running, the exercise that follows will be managed better.

What if my child gets asthma all the time, and cannot do strenuous exercise?
This probably means that your child's asthma is under treated. Consult your doctor to choose the preventer treatment best suited to your child's needs.

Are there any sports that asthmatic children should avoid?
Children whose asthma is correctly managed and well controlled can easily play the sport of their choice. The only sport that asthmatic children should participate in with caution is scuba diving.


Source: http://www.asthma.co.za/articles/ref12.htm (http://www.asthma.co.za/articles/ref12.htm)
Written by: Dr Fred Nagel

[moor2k6]

Asthma attacks occur when, the muscle around the bronchi go into spasm. The bronchi narrow and breathing becomes difficult. Inflammation can also swell the lining of the air tubes. Mucous may increase blockage to the air tubes as well. The reason that bronchospasms can be triggered by allergies is that histamine, the chemical most responsible for allergy symptoms, seems to play a role in asthma attacks as well. But many other things besides histamine can trigger an attack: strenuous exercise, cigarette smoke, respiratory infections, industrial chemicals, aspirin, pet dander, indoor pollution and the sulfites added to many foods. Stress also plays a role in asthma. Severe anxiety can trigger attacks, and stress generally aggravates asthma symptoms. If you have asthma you should avoid cigarette smoke, if you smoke, quit. You should do mild exercise...swimming, light aerobics, yoga, and eat a healthy diet. Try to determine which foods in your diet trigger attacks and avoid them

HERBAL REMEDIES: (http://www.peacefulmind.com/herbology.htm)

HERBAL TEAS: (http://www.peacefulmind.com/herbal_teas.htm)
In a stainless steel pot, boil desired amount of distilled water. The moment it boils turn the heat off. Add the following herbs in an infuser, muslin bag or tea ball for a single cup or add one-three teaspoons of herbs per cup for larger amounts. Allow the herbs to infuse for up to 5 minutes. Drink 3-4 cups a day. For flavor-add lemon and sweeten with Stevia or organic honey. These herbs are helpful for gently cleanses, purifying, detoxing, anti-inflammatory.
This powerful formula will help remove accumulated toxins in the body. Strong antioxidant, cleanses the colon and stimulates circulation.
Allergy Tea (http://www.ccnow.com/cgi-local/cart.cgi?yogiguruji_HERBALTEA1LB_http://www.peacefulmind.com/products.htm)-Helps clear up allergy symptoms and relieves asthma related problems. Clears congestion and helps to open sinuses. Mullen, Echinacea, Burdock, Nettle, Licorice, Fo-To, Astragalus.
Breath of Life Tea (http://www.ccnow.com/cgi-local/cart.cgi?yogiguruji_HERBALTEA1LB_http://www.peacefulmind.com/products.htm)-This tea was designed for deep congestion and tightness in the chest and upper respiratory region. Helps by reducing mucus, inflammation. Feenugreek, Slippery Elm, Wild Cherry, White Pine, Licorice, Astragalus, Ginger, Orange Peel, Oska, Pleurisy.