Frequent use of the albuterol inhaler

[Cinains]

I've had asthma for 24 years.  I'm a 25 years old female.  My father also suffered from asthma and my daughter, whom is 4 years old.  I workout 4-5 days a week but see myself using the albuterol inhaler 10-20 min into my cardio workout.  I really wished I was like the others who can jump on the treadmill and run without using medications.  I was wondering if this frequent use of the albuterol inhaler will affect me negatively.  I've also noticed it's been difficult to lose weight.  Is this due to these steroids?  

[Cinains]

Thanks for the info.  This morning I was able to do some cardio for about 30 min without the inhaler, it felt great!  The last time I was able to do this was 5 yrs ago.

[peekawho]

Albuterol is not a steroid, and will not affect your weight.

There are some inhaled medications specifically for exercise induced asthma.  You may want to see your pulmonologist (if you haven't already) to be sure that you are being treated absolutely optimally.

Good for you for working out!

[Cinains]

Thanks for the information.  I'm thinking of visiting a specialist and getting a prescription for medication to control my asthma.

[Victoireh]

The albuterol can be taken 10-15 minutes before you start exercising. I have the same problem, and this is what I was told to do. Apparently for exercise this is not considered a problem. It is only a problem when you require your albuterol more then a couple times a week for asthma attacks due to allergies/irritants. This is then considered a lack of control of your asthma and your medications should be reviewed. Taking inhaled steroids does not cause weight gain, however taking large doses of oral steroids over long periods of time will. You should not be taking this form of steroid on a long term basis. There are many good steroid inhalers with or without a long acting beta-agonist that can be taken on a regular basis.

I find that when my asthma is in control, then exercising becomes easier too. If you do running outside in the winter time, then you might not be able to achieve a good run without having many breathing problems. But rather move your exercising indoors and you should find that it's not a problem. Start with warmups so your lungs can climatize and then build up your intensity. I find in the summer time I can run 10 km in 45 minutes and winter time it's no where near as good and so I tend to stick with 7 km instead. It is better to pace yourself and still get your exercise then none at all.