Did You Know What Sets Off My Asthma?

Did you know what sets off my asthma?

Although I have "exercised induced" asthma, there are other things that set off my asthma besides just exercising. Environmental factors such as perfumes and colognes, smoke from cigarettes, arturo fuente cigars or fires. Any strong smell will set off my coughing. And sometimes it does not have to be a strong overwhelming smell; it can be a subtle fragrance that seems to seep into my lungs. Sometimes those are the worst.

Did You Know Caffeine Helps with Exercise Induced Asthma?

Did you know caffeine helps with exercise induced asthma?

Last week while running on the treadmill at therapy, the doctor asked why I was coughing so much. I told him that is how much I cough, even after using my inhaler. He suggested I start consuming some caffeine. He wanted me to drink half a sugar free Red Bull. I told him I probably would not but that I would look at it. I do not like the idea of consuming aspartame, which is in the SF Red Bull but I found an alternative in Rock Star sugar free lemonade. While it does contain Sucralose, I thought I could compromise on that and give it a try. I could not believe the difference!

I used the inhaler as per normal, but also drank about 4 oz. of the energy drink. I hardly coughed at all on the treadmill that day and could even breathe normally when I was done! It was a good feeling! I have since found a more natural product that I am going to try this week, Guru energy drink. It has the caffeine without the artificial ingredients. I hope it works as well. And as for now, I am adding a little caffeine to my workouts!

Did You Know I Think I Have Exercise Induced Asthma?

Did you know I think I have exercise induced asthma?

I have joked for some time about this. I really thought it had more to do with all the wind and pollen in the air. Whenever I cycle, I cough a lot. It is not as bad when I do indoor spin class, so I think it has to do with the allergens in the air. And the last few times I have been running, I find it hard to catch my breath, breathe deeply or feel like my chest is clear. I don't cough as much when running but there is a little coughing accompanying those other symptoms.

I did not know that there is a real possibility of having exercise induced asthma. But after doing just a little reading online, I have found that this is not uncommon. I have felt like this is just a thing that will pass. But now I am wondering if my performance could be just a little bit better if I used an inhaler to clear my airways. May be something I bring up in the future, after I get my foot problems dealt with.