Can't breathe

[laughlaugh18]

So, I'll be interested to see if this helps and will report back. I wonder how long it might take to see any difference?

I noticed results with Advair immediately. I had exercise induced asthma as a kid that went away and then very kindly showed back up again when I hit my mid 40s When I started riding about a year ago, I was triggering an asthma attack pretty much every time I went out to ride. I've had an albuterol rescue inhaler for years (which I previously only had to use 2-3 times a year; my asthma was pretty mild), which I started using regularly because of my bike rides. My doc didn't like me using the rescue inhaler as a regular preventative, so he prescribed Advair for me. I find it makes a big difference. My lungs don't start going haywire nearly as quickly. Per my doc, I try to take a puff about 1/2 an hour before I ride.

As with all medical stuff, your mileage may vary

[ACG]

I've been reading this thread with some interest. I have noticed that I become winded. It is sort of like I'm pedaling at a good rate, maybe 18mph, but when I stop pedaling I am able to catch my breath. When I am pedaling I'm slightly winded, could this be asthma? I was thinking of getting a HRM, thinking I could use it to my advantage. After reading this thread I may just call my doctor.

[chickwhorips]

i always called my advair inhalor my purple bubble tape inhalor.

[eclectic]

i always called my advair inhalor my purple bubble tape inhalor.

That is exactly what they are like

I thought I was regressing on my new meds went for a ride last Wed and was exhausted, and couldn't breathe. After not being able to talk for 3 days and sleeping constantly for 5, I decided I probably had a virus of some type. Finally went for a 25 mile ride today. Went up my measuring stick hill to see how I am doing. Beginning of the summer 6.5 mph, 3 weeks ago 7 mph - today 8.2 Mph! ! ! Hooray I think the meds are really working

[chickwhorips]

eclectic good job! glad your feeling better also.

[emily_in_nc]

I got my Rx for Advair filled today. My doctor did not have a sample to show me how to use it, but the box came with a very detailed insert that I followed to the letter. Being an engineer, I'm big on details, so I made sure I did it right! I have used albuterol for years as a rescue inhaler, but this was definitely a little different! I certainly made sure to breathe in, very deeply, to actually get the medicine into my lungs!

I don't know if I just got lucky, but on my trail ride tonight, I definitely felt like my breathing was better. My average and max. heart rate were lower than the last time I did this same route, so I felt less taxed, and I felt really strong. It's possible that I had just had a good ride, but it's also possible that that Advair helped a little even with just one dose!

I had been using albuterol before every ride, but I skipped it tonight. My asthma is mild, but it definitely seems to come into play when I do intense exercise. I don't have asthma attacks per se, but I just huff and puff way more than anyone else, even on slight inclines -- and I am a very active person; I hike, jog, walk, kayak, lift weights, and ride, so I should not huff and puff quite as much as a complete novice, especially since I am not carrying excess body weight around. Tonight I finally didn't huff and puff more than a "normal" person. :-)

My doctor started me on the lowest dosage Advair: 100/50. Hopefully I can stay on this one as I want to use the least amount of medication necessary. I have been taking Accolate, a leukotriene inhibitor (pill), but it didn't seem to have any effect on me whatsoever. Albuterol helps, but it makes my heart race and makes me jittery, like too much coffee, so I am not crazy about using it. I didn't sense any of that with the Advair.

So, after just one ride, it's way too early to tell, but I am cautiously optimistic.

For those of you on Advair, have you had any side effects from it?

Thanks!
Emily

[Pedal Wench]

Were you told to gargle after you use the Advair? I heard that you have to gargle for 30-seconds to get the meds out of your throat. Is this true?