Exercise induced Asthma...

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with Asthma in sept. 07, I went to the doctor regarding breathlessness after exercise, since then I have not had one "proper" asthma attack, infact have gone on 5 day hikes without even taking an inhaler. The only issue I have is after running outdoors my chest becomes tight and breath comes slowly, but I just use vapour rub and this corrects the problem within an hour.
The reson why I don't want to use an inhaler, is that I'm hoping to join the Royal Navy, meaning that I will have to go 4 years without the use of an inhaler (without getting one from the doctors.) Would it be safe to just have one full inhaler kept spare in case I have an attack? What would happen if I didn't use my inhaler and let my breath restore itself naturally? Joining the Navy is something I am set on and I won't allow myself to be stopped by MILD Asthma!

Stats:
Sex: Male
Height: 5"3
Weight: 10 St

Thanks alot, don't know if that helps?

Paul

[Judy246]

Asthma is a disease and exercising can trigger a serious asthma attack. Please don't fool yourself in thinking that this is just going to go away, because it is not.  You need to learn how to live with asthma and use preventative medication to prevent having sudden symptoms. You must carry an rescue inhaler with you at all times. This will become you life line if you have a sudden attack. Asthma can kill, so please do not assume it is just going to go away, because it's not. Your breathing is not just going to restore itself in an attack, in fact, if it will become tighter and tighter if you do not have a rescue inhaler with you.

I am a life long asthmatic and my last attack had me 10 hours in an emergency room and I though I was going to die, so please don't assume and it just going to go away.

Also, running, jumping change in temperature, season, animals, pollin, rug, etc. all trigger asthma symptoms or attack, but you can live with asthma if you take preventative medication...good luck, Judy

[Worried1648]

Thanks for the comment, but I'm not convinced that my Asthma is severe enough to require constant use of an inhaler, 2 years after diagnosis I have only ever experienced chest tightness following exercise and can easily sort this out through rest and vapour rub, I don't understand why this should hinder me in the pursuit of the career I want, as long as I have an inhaler to hand at home in case I do have my first attack?
Also at the age of 17 is there not a chance that I will yet "grow out" of my Ashtma?
I have no back-up plan If I cannot join the navy and it is a career I'm set on, surely I can beat something which does not affect my dad to day life unless I am running?

[Judy246]

Asthma should'nt stop you from living a full active life and yes you can outgrow it. I have pretty much outgrown it, but it took over 30 yrs. and I still have a rescue inhaler, because when I least expect it, my chest becomes tight, but I have started running, working out in the gym (something I wouldn't dare do, because it would trigger asthma).

Asthma is a chronic disorder characterized by coughing, hard breathing and wheezing.  It is an airway constriction that can be long lasting and recurring if not treated properly.  There is no such thing as just a little asthma. It's either you have the disorder or you don't.  If joining the Navy is something that is in your heart and future career, God bless you and continue always to pursue your life's dream, but what I am saying is that as an asthmatic, you don't know when you will experience an asthma attack, so it's alway good to be prepared by taking preventative medications to avoid the discomfort of airway constriction (that is what you feel with asthma) and an inhaler just in case you can't breath.  Vapour rubs help with breathing, but will not stop an attack.

I think you will do just fine as long as you have an inhaler.  Best wishes with your career in the Navy....Judy

[lily1616]

I'm new to the board and I agree with Judy 100%. I no longer use my inhaler but I always carry an albuterol in my purse just in case. People have died due to an asthma attack, by all means pursue your dreams but be smart about it. Life is just to precious. Take care of yourself & good luck.

[Jitsu41]

I had asthma as a child and was on daily meds for excercise induced asthma. i never had a very bad attack i just would have to sit down for awhile. The symptoms all but went away when i was 18 so when i was 20 i joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After 2 years the symptoms came back during a deployment last year, much worse than they had ever been. Now I am a liability to my fellow marines and cannot fullfill my duties as an infantryman. I am not saying this will happen to you, im just trying to say be sure that you will not jeaperdize your comrades because an attack comes at the wrong time. Good luck and God Bless