Can I Start Running Even If I Have Asthma?

While running is one of the greatest forms of exercise, it can be the worst trigger for asthma. This comes as no surprise for asthmatic runners, due to the enormous amount of dust and pollen inhaled during the course of the run. However, this need not be the end of the road.

The season and the time of day are factors that can make a huge difference. If you are hypersensitive to pollen, going for a run during hours when pollen is more present in the air is likely to cause intense reactions. To confront this problem, listed below are a few tips for asthmatic running enthusiasts. 

Drink Necessary Meds 

Yes, you can still run even if with asthma. Those who suffer this condition and are in love with running are advised to take quick-relief asthma medications like albuterol, which is often given as a rescue inhaler.

Albuterol is designed to alleviate symptoms within minutes after taking it. It is commonly considered as prophylactic or preventive medication, so before a run, individuals with asthma can take a dose as instructed a few minutes to help manage symptoms.

However, if the person has chronic asthma (meaning, having symptoms that are not caused entirely by physical exertion), the safest way is to be on a daily control medication. For example, they can use an inhaled steroid besides having a rescue inhaler. 

Perform Warm-ups in Proper Attire

Most people who go running often skip a warm-up, assuming that doing so will stretch their lung power throughout their race or workout. However, as it happens, working out the lungs beforehand will prevent a possible attack. If one does a warm-up faithfully enough to provoke some coughing or wheezing, it means a good thing.

There is, however, a proper way to warm up your muscles to make them more elastic and thus reduce the chances of injury. As another preventive measure, you can use kinesiology tape to provide additional support to your muscles and keep at bay common running injuries, like runner’s knee.

To make it easier to perform warm-ups, make sure to wear comfortable and complete workout clothes. Wearing the right running shoes is important, but also consider the smaller details like protection for the hands courtesy of convertible mittens. 

Avoiding Pollen 

Like what was mentioned previously, pollen can immensely put an asthmatic individual in severe pain, so it is better to run when pollen counts are at their lowest. If the count is still high in the morning, consider doing an indoor activity in the meantime or participating in an outdoor event that won’t require the body to breathe so hard. 

Prepare a Game Plan 

Having asthma is unfortunate when you enjoy being active. That said, it is always essential to have a rescue inhaler around. Slip it inside the pocket of your running shorts to make sure it will be there to rescue you during emergencies.

Another essential thing to note is to have a game plan. Asthmatics should confirm with their doctors the necessary steps to take in case of an asthma attack. With a medical professional, come up with an action plan that will benefit you in future runs.  

Other Things to Consider

It is important to plan to prevent days when pollen is expected to be a problem all day long. Go running after rain showers, when much of the pollen in the air has dispersed. Be wary, though, that high amounts of mold spores instigated by damp weather may also distress some asthmatics in ways comparable to those of hay fever.

To avoid this dilemma, make sure to shower immediately after running to guarantee all pollen is removed from the body. If this step does not ease the situation, consider taking antihistamines as a precautionary measure. 

Asthmatic runners who are city dwellers often find themselves worrying about pollution since the air quality and smog are at the worst later in the day. This can be remedied by an early-morning run, when a slight freshness in the air is still apparent. 

Getting a good night’s sleep will benefit asthmatic runners too not just for better motor functions but for body recovery as well. This might be a problem to those who suffer from nocturnal asthma which then causes moments of apnea during sleep. 

Taking prescribed medications as directed by doctors and using daily breathing machine treatments will improve the overall sleep quality of the person. 

Cold weather is predominantly a strong trigger due to the lack of moisture found in the air. When running, one breathes through the mouth, which does not have the warming, moistening, sifting effect that the nose does. This makes the body more vulnerable.

To counter this, the presence of a thick scarf or neck warmer to protect the mouth may help. A warm glass of water, instead of a cold one, will also certainly do wonders.