asthma & injuries preventing exercise

[jennichearuil]

I'm 19 years old and have had mild enough asthma for my entire life. Recently though (since I was about fourteen) it's been affecting me more and more, and despite the many doctor visits and increased inhaler usage, I'm finding that every time I use the gym, go for a run or even a long walk, I get very out of breath very quickly. I also end up with a lung infection or cough of some sort within a day or two of working out. 

Using weights as a sole fitness plan is out of the question due to severe shoulder and knee injuries from horse-riding falls. 

I absolutely adore running and want to take part in races (even just 5km would do, but I'd love to go further), but last time I managed to push through the lung trouble for long enough to sign up for my first 5k, I ended up taking a trip to the emergency room the week before the race and had to miss it. 

Since I also suffer from severe anxiety, the lack of physical activity due to my poor lung function and frequent straining of injured joints is affecting my mental health too. 

Being an unemployed university student with a packed timetable, hiring a personal trainer or even a physio is basically out of the question, and my GP has yet to come up with any sort of solution for me. 
If anyone could offer me advice on how I could even begin to start running again, I'd appreciate it so much!

[kitkatt23]

I don't know if you've moved since you've gone to college but a change in location could mean your asthma got worse as the pollen in the air is different.

Ask your doctor for Solone its a steroid, the only thing that helps me when my asthma is so bad I can't breathe

[gymdandee]

http://www.webmd.com/asthma/asthma-symptoms-15/exercise-with-asthma?ecd=wnl_fit_103015&ctr=wnl-fit-103015_nsl-promo-3_title&mb=1Lh1UPRNbkYyZ%2fZr4JiDEGdEpmNqbUHLY9wbTbpqmnI%3d

[jennichearuil]

I always start off by walking at a moderade-brisk pace for about 10 minutes before picking up a run on a treadmill, and a little longer if I'm running outdoors. I always carry my inhaler as I struggle with my breathing pretty much every time I exercise.
Running indoors during winter is a big problem as I don't have a treadmill at home and can't afford a gym membership, so unless I'm on the university campus where I study , I have no access to indoor running facilities .
I have lectures all day until around 6-7pm and it takes me two hours to travel home each day, so going to the gym in the evenings would mean I don't get home until about 10pm every night.
I'm always exhausted as it is, so being out that late just doesn't suit me at all, which is why I usually just go out for a run as soon as I'm off the bus after my last lecture.

And living in Ireland, we don't get many days when it's notcold and damp out, so it's something i need to be acclimatized to for races anyway!

[gymdandee]

Do you start off slow to warm up properly to give your airways time to adjust to the cardiovascular workout. Starting suddenly will shock your lungs and can lead to an asthma attack? You also need to cool down! Do you carry your inhaler with you? On cold days or when the pollen count is high try running indoors.