??? for those with asthma

[Crankin]

Yes, the humidity bothers me, but I find that I can acclimate myself to it by doing shorter rides and making sure I am well hydrated. I used to totally stay indoors for exercise on these "bad air" days, but I do much better now. Two weeks ago I did a 35 mile ride on a 96 degree day with high humidity. The pace was slower than my usual, though.
Who said it can't be asthma without wheezing? Both myself and my son have had asthma without wheezing. I believe my doctor called it "specious" asthma. But, my asthma is transient. It rarely bothers me. It's mostly allergy induced or comes on when I have some other thing developing. I keep a Ventolin inhaler just in case, but i go for months without using it. I took Q Var for awhile 2 years ago, but only after having bronchitis. Advair scared me, although it has helped several people on this list.

[brigitte]

hi all fellow asthma sufferers -
I also have the diagnosis of EIA (and am a nurse). When I found out I knew what the condition was but thought, "OK, now what?" As stated earlier in the thread asthma is critical when it comes to exhaling and not inhaling.

If I may suggest the following. Find out what your triggers are. For me it is larger weather/humidity changes, smoke, acacia blossoms and emotional stress. If I know that I will be riding under those circumstances I use an inhaler. A byword on inhalers. Most often Albuterol is used - causes big time tachycardia (thats when your heart starts racing) and you can get terrific cotton mouth. I have been using Xopenex with great effect since about a year (no tachycardia, no cotton mouth). Research the side effects well!

When having trouble breathing you want to stop and very consciously start exhaling completely , almost exaggerated, with control. It might feel like your heart will explode in your chest but it is the quickest way to get your breathing back to normal.

Most importantly don't freak out. Asthma is worsened if you panic. Pay attention to your breathing as you go and as you reach maximum effort/exertion, again concentrate on complete exhalation. If you can feel it coming you can slow your pace a bit, control your breathing and be safely on your way.

[LoriO]

The tip on the exhalation really works! Chest started to tighten up on me the other day and I just stopped and really concentrated on exhaling and pushing the air out instead of struggleing to get it in. It really helped a lot. Thank you for passing on that great information!