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Asthma/Running with Asthma

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Expert: - 6/3/2008


Question
Hello, I have a brief question on what I should do before running with asthma. My asthma is not bad at all, but when it comes to sprinting or long endurance runs I have problems breathing which greatly reduces my performance. For example, I have ran a 6:13 mile and would really like to beat 6 minutes, but it feels as if asthma has really stopped me for achieving my goal. Is there anything that I should do before my run to improve my performance. I don't really have an inhaler and I just need something physical to help me and not medication.

Answer
Hi Mark,

There are a number of issues to address. First, there are two components to treating asthma: 1)medication, and 2) recognition of triggers, and preparing for them.

First, what medications are you on now, how do you take them?

Second: how do you presently prepare for your running? Hydration, warming up, checking for pollen/mold and pollution levels? How do you check you lung function? Do you use a peak flow meter?

Lets start with these first. The new asthma guidelines direct us by correlating asthma with the two parameters of impairment and risk. We need to assess to what degree lung function is impaired, so we can then ascertain the level of risk that the condition will worsen. I don't forsee a problem of you reaching your goal, but it must be done with knowledge and wisdom.

I'm having a bit of a computer glitch at home, so it may take 24 hours to respond.

We'll talk soon.

Marc  

Asthma

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Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

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