Stop... But Don't Smell the Roses!

This week I'm going to attack a subject that is near and dear to me.
Asthma. Now for the five or six of you out there who don't yet suffer from this malady may I suggest you read on as statistics tell us that you probably will get asthma, or some other form of bronchial problem, sometime during your life.

A quick disclaimer is in order. I am not a doctor or any other sort of medical professional. If you have any breathing problems, or anything else medically wrong, please see your personal physician before undertaking a running or exercise regimen of any type. And for heavens sake don't accept what I say as expert advice. It's just my personal observations that I present here.

With that out of the way we can get right to the heart (wheeze, pant) of the matter.

Now, here is the intrepid runner, up bright and early, all stretched and ready for a nice leisurely run, five to 10 miles or so. Not too far yet far enough to really get a good stretch and get the heart rate going. The first mile or so things seem to be going along very nicely... then all of a sudden you seem to be having a little difficulty getting air into your lungs.

You try picking up the pace a bit as that seems to often be all it takes to clear out the bad juices from your system but it just seems to be getting worse. So now you try slowing the pace to see if your lungs can recover a bit... must check your vitamin levels. Probably lacking something because of all your heavy training. Maybe some extra bee pollen next time.

Now you're starting to worry... Can't get any air... Need air to replenish your muscles so you can run. STOP! Get down on your hands and knees and try to inject some air into those lungs. Haven't felt this bad since that Personal Worst (PW) marathon up at St. George, Utah. But that only lasted a few minutes. This is lasting, well, it seems like forever.

To those who may have breathing problems I'm sure this short anecdote has brought back some near nightmares. For you others let's go over just a few things.

WHAT IS ASTHMA?


"Asthma is a breathing problem which results from spasm (bronchospasm) of the muscles surrounding the walls of the lung airways (bronchi). Airways are breathing passages that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. Alveoli are tiny sac-like structures at the end of the airways where oxygen enters the bloodstream. Bronchospasm causes narrowing of the airways which leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and congestion. Airways
can also be narrowed in asthma from accumulated mucus and swelling that is caused by inflammation of the bronchi." Definition courtesy of MedicineNet.

Pretty complicated definition but I felt it very important to properly define my terms. For more complete information about asthma feel free to link to MedicineNet.

WHAT CAUSES ASTHMA?

No one really knows what causes asthma but it seems there are many factors that often contribute to its' onset. These factors include allergies, drugs, pregnancy, molds, cold air, exercise, cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, and infections. I think I've experienced each of these at one time or another, except of course, pregnancy.

AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?


Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath during attacks.

HOW IS ASTHMA TREATED?


The most common treatment seems to be inhalers but there are also pills and liquid medications of various sorts. Of course there are numerous herbal remedies as well, most of which can be found at your local health food stores.

But please don't forget. See your Doctor first!! He is the only one who can properly diagnose and treat your individual problem. Runners are notorious for self treatment and medication. This is not the time to be experimenting.

Properly treated, asthma can be controlled and you can be back on the roads and enjoying those clear, brisk mornings once again.