anyone have asthma??

[audiophyle]

I've had exercise induced asthma for most of my life and it hasn't ever really bothered me because.. well i've never exercised before. But since i've started weight training and doing hiit, it's really been becoming a problem. Does anyone know of a way to treat asthma without an inhaler or other medicine? I'm considering going into the military within the next year and they have no tolerance what so ever for breathing problems so I need a treatment that doesnt depend on medicine (for example breathing exercises or whatever). Does anyone else on here have asthma and know if its possible to overcome it or build up an immunity to it? I've been experimenting with high intensity interval cardio and purposely pushing myself into an attack and not allowing myself to use any medicine or inhalers to see if its possible for my lungs to strengthen or get used to the abuse. Does anyone have any experience with this or know if this could possibly have damaging side effects? Thanks

 

[fastgain]

I dunno man. I've had asthma since I was a little kid. I finally have it under control thanks to a daily pill I take called Singulair. I used 2-3 inhalers every day for years until I got this stuff. I know you said medicine isn't an option, but it sure helped me out. Check into it if it's even remotely possible for ya.

I have never run across anything that works aside from medicine.

 

[bigstve12]

I have had asthma all my life and have done extensive studying on it b/c ive had cousins die from it...bad genetics. Anyways, anytime you force yourself into an attack your causing damage to the cells of your lungs that takes approxiamtely 2 weeks to heal. Chronic damage causes long term problems. The better thing to do would be low intensity cardio and slowly work your way up to higher intensity without having an attack. That is how I've done it and im no longer on any type of medicine. The millitary (at least the marines that i know of) make you inhale this shit that induces asthma attacks to see how it effects you. If you get a good relationship with your recruiter they might let you "pass" thru that part of the test.

 

[audiophyle]

thanks for the reply bigstve, how long did it take you to build up your lungs? My goal is to be able to run two miles in 16 minutes. Right now, i can run a mile in 10 minutes but it pushes me into an attack every time.

 

[lauren11]

Hi there! I have also had exercise induced as well as allergic asthma since way before high school up until 2 years ago. I commend you if you can control it without meds. I am now currently in remission after being on many medicines for years, but when I get sick, my lungs are the first to get 'attacked.' I agree with bigstve12-you don't want to push yourself into an attack-when you are having an attack your lungs are filling with things like mucus and also closing up, so you want to keep them as open as possible-whether it is holding your arms up for circulation or it is centering yourself so there is no hyperventalation. I have heard good things about Singulair, so that may be something to try to see what it does for you. I am not up on the meds since I am not taking any-but I had a handheld nebulizer that I did while running and swimming in high school and it was awesome. I still have it in case I need it and it uses albuterol. Yes, you can overcome it with proper care. I am an example of that. I wish you luck with getting into the military and overcoming this, but take it easy right now and work yourself up to it. I know it can be discouraging and annoying, but you can do it. Take care.

 

[audiophyle]

cool, thanks alot for the input. I've got about a year to get this asthma in check before i'm going into the military, so i've got plenty of time to slowly build myself up.

 

[slinky]

Oh, man. I've had asthma since I was a wee child. My sister had it worse when we were kids; however, as an adult, I've had it worse. I've been to the emergency room several times - but during the last two (knock on wood), have avoided the ER.

How's your diet? I've noticed when my diet gravitates towards heavy carbs in the High GI area, my asthma becomes a huge issue. And I don't eat a heavy meal close to bedtime. If I do, problems arise. Especially since a full stomach can cause breathing issues when you're lying down in bed.

I've noticed considerable improvements due to HIIT. I do alot of jump rope, but also train in a boxing gym and perform alot of heavy bag work. I agree to begin slowly and build up the intensity. I also have a background in karate and kickboxing. That training helped with my asthma immensely.

I carry my Proventil inhaler wherever I go. Even when I'm in strongman training. And I have a bottle of Prednisone tablets at home, bedside. BUT, I'm moving away from taking pills and using inhalers. I believe it can be done.

Asthma is certainly a humbling condition. But it's made me a smarter athlete. And I believe you can train intensely with asthma; but man, admitting to people you have asthma is tough. Since I felt that by admitting I have it made me "weak". Know what I mean? But, you're on the right road by trying to find out how to work with and through it.

Oh, and coffee is a good natural way of dealing with asthma, believe it or not.

 

[bigstve12]

It took about a year of really concentrating on my cardio to get the lungs up to par. When I get sick the lungs are the first to go also like lauren11. Slinky has a point with caffeine helping, if you look in some asthma meds, most have some sort of stimulant in them. If you have any other questions let me know, otherwise good luck!

 

[Lestat]

I had asthma really bad as a child, now I only get it when I excersise.. or something else like an allergy or cold air triggers it.

I use an albuterol inhaler. I'd like to find something else because I use the inhaler nearly every day because I exercise so much.