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Asthma and required outdoor running for karate? I know there are black belts here.


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How about getting him a heart monitor? He can't monitor his peak flow while running, but he can keep an eye on his heart rate. You can program them to alert you when it goes to high. The idea is to run consistently at a lower heart rate, and that will build endurance making running easier over time. If it is easier and his heart rate is lower he won't have to breathe so hard, and that might mean not triggering the asthma. You can google stuff about heart rate and running, some marathoners use it to train as well. (oh, and he should probably use an inhaler before running, but talk to doctor about that.)

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What does his doc say? My son's doc said the best way to strengthen his lungs and help his asthma was to get his allergies under control and have him play sports outdoors. We took it slowly, and so far so good. He only needs inhalers if we do not keep a close eye on him and watch for his tipping point. I would talk to his docs about a plan to be sure it is safe and the best way to go about it.

 

FWIW, my dad had asthma so bad he was not suppose to live as a child, but he did and played football in high school which seemed to help him strengthen his lungs and 'outgrow' his asthma.

 

Good luck, it is so hard to know what is best. Ask as many docs as it takes to find a solution.

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Have you ever checked to see if his asthma is a chiropractic issue? Some asthma is, some partially is, some isn't. If not, try taking him to a paediatric chiro and asking to have him evaluated for retained reflexes while he's there. Some of them manifest as ADHDish behaviour.

 

Rosie

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Why is the dojo asking for this? And how do they control it?

 

We had to run during the class, during warm-ups, and special training camps, but there was no running training per se. If your cardio was good enough for a fight, that's all that's required. You can build up your cardio in various ways, running isn't the only one.

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Is he using his rescue inhaler (albuterol) before running or other triggering exercise?

 

I have asthma. I run. My asthma DR has directed me to use the albuterol (a couple puffs) before running as needed. These doses DO NOT COUNT towards the goal of not using the rescue inhaler more than a couple times a week. I.e., you can use albuterol before every run (or every TKD class or whatever) without it being any problem or any indication that your asthma is not well controlled. He explicitly told me I could use it before every (daily) run forever, and it was not a concern. The only reason they are "worried" if you are using it frequently is that it could indicate poor control. Needing it for exercise does NOT make that a concern, at least according to my DR.

 

2x/daily I use Advair. 1x/daily steroid nasal spray + 24 hr antihistimine. This controls my asthma 99% of the time, except for running (sometimes -- getting better over time, actually, but I am new to my asthma meds, so still improving). I take 2 puffs of albuterol before (nearly) every run, and I carry it with me on long runs just in case.

 

So, I'd try albuterol BEFORE the class/run/whatever. Of course, run this by your kid's DR.

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Not necessarily, according to my own asthma DR. Running is special, lol. :tongue_smilie: I posted my own experiences above.

 

I think the goal is always control. Like you mentioned, sometimes that requires some tweaking. It is definitely worth a trip to the Dr.

And I agree with you that albuterol should definitely be used before running.

Edited by JessReplanted
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How long has your son been running? If he hasn't been running for long be sure he isn't pushing himself too hard. I agree with ktgrok about getting a heart rate monitor, they are an invaluable tool for exercise. I consider myself a very fit person but I do not usually include running in my fitness regimen. When I do run my heart rate elevates very quickly and stays elevated, my breathing rate is increased and very uncomfortable. I hate it. My point is that you must condition your body for running, even if you are very fit in one activity it doesn't mean running will come easily, especially when paired with asthma I imagine.

 

Your son sounds very dedicated, I hope he is able to complete his running so he can advance!

SJ

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