The other thing for me, my nasal airways always seem to full of crap. I can’t remember the last time I had clean airways for a race. I use nasal spray sparingly, but there has to be a solution?
I’m booking a chiro appointment today, luckily I have two to choose from with my network and insurance, then I don’t know - go back to my doc and see if he can recommend something else.
Nasal rinse/flush can be a PITA but that’s something… other time I went to the allergist he recommended that as I frequently get “sick” throat up. You can even do that stuff twice a day, may help with just breathing or sleeping better.
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I have my netti pot that I have forgotten about. Maybe I should get back into that routine in the morning at night.
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This seems to be the main asthma thread so I thought I would ask a question here. I was diagnosed with asthma back in October. Doctor has me on Symbicort and Atrovent N. My breathing has gotten a lot better. My main struggle now is figuring out my FTP. Doing the Ramp Test is hit and miss. During the winter I did it and was fine finishing the test. Now in the Spring with all the pollen my legs feel good, but my breathing makes me stop. I’m sure I am not getting an accurate FTP number. What is everyone else in this thread doing to figure your FTP? Would going back to the 20 minute test give me a more accurate FTP?
Ramp test is hit and miss for me as well. I take the number given and adjust it every couple of weeks based on how the workouts are going. I feel it’s pretty close.
Also, I think I just got a cold, riding in the cold-is air without a buff really got my asthma going, lungs full of fluid, and wearing my rain jacket which is non breathable probably didn’t help. I should stop wearing that. Sweat and the cold doesn’t mix.
Been on prednisone for a few days and things are getting better. Doc was worried I had pneumonia, but don’t think I do. I still kind of want a chest x ray. I have decent insurance.
Still on QVAR and my rescue inhaler.
@rogerchua
Assuming it’s not just allergies, consider sudafed 12hr in the evening to dry out your sinuses overnight. I’ve had something similar a few times in the past and it can take several days or more to clear up. I suspect it’s an almost-sinus infection process underway. Some people sleep poorly on sudafed though, if that’s you maybe try a phenylephrine pill or spray instead (similar drug, just not as good).
@jhow
My sinuses have been very bad for years. I strongly recommend Afrin the night before a race, and possibly an extra dose day-of. Afrin is incredible. Try not to use it chronically.
-general
I don’t have asthma (at least that I know of), but my pcp had suggested singulair as an attempt resolving my chronic sinususitic. Didn’t help my sinusitus, but I did feel like it improved my breathing a little on races (cyclocross: cool/cold/damp). I did some reading and apparently there’s an exercise-induced-asthma, and maybe I have a little of that. Not sure how if it’s contraindicated with any of the more serious prescription inhaler medications coming up in this thread, but could be worth a discussion with your doctor if most symptoms occur during exercise.
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I was initially diagnosed with exercise induced asthma. Was prescribed the rescue inhaler. Things seemed to get worst. Then prescribed the QVAR to help keep my lungs in shape and not get sick. I kind of think there’s more to what I have going on. But, we’ll see.
As for Afrin - key is to just use it sparingly. 1-2 a week like you said.
It can be addictive and the more you use, cause rebound congestion.
I guess this the main asthma thread and would like to share my experience.
Cycling background: Currently aged 45, working as an Eye Surgeon (Ophthalmologist)
I grew up as asthmatic with multiple hospital admissions. As a teen I had less attacks as I was more active in sports representing school etc. I did have the occasional attacks when I had the flu or when it was off season.
When I started Med School in New Zealand, the cool air did not help. I started to get asthma with exercises and my Respiratory lecturer started me on preventers (2 puffs twice a day) and ventolin for acute attacks or pre sports. I must admit it was very hard to be disciplined on the preventers and as usual resort back to pre sports ventolin or when having acute attacks only.
Fast forward back in warm Malaysia, I barely had any attacks and continued to use ventolin pre sports/ acute attacks, despite multiple efforts by my respiratory colleagues to get me on regular preventers.
Then in Feb this year (2020) coming back from Singapore and after a major spring cleaning in a very dusty shed, I had a major asthmatic attack not relieved with nebulisers, and got admitted for lung infection (not COVID, luckily). Recovering with IV antibiotics, the Respiratory physician started me on once daily Relvar (initially 200mg, now 100mg daily).
Its been 7 months, and I have been very disciplined with the preventers since then (much easier daily dose vs twice daily) and never had to use ventolin since. Not even pre sports! 6 weeks after using the preventers, I had bump in FTP which was hovering around 160-ish over past few months then to 184w. Now it just lingers around that figure. This is a bit anecdotal and many aspects COULD be attributed to the bump, but I feel the asthma control is a major factor.
I suggest anyone with asthma to see their physician and follow the program for at least a few months.
cheers,
Mooze
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