BALANCE
Running with asthma
You’d think that running and breathing difficulties were uneasy bedfellows but, with careful management, you can control your asthma without giving up your run fix
Words Dr Juliet McGrattan
According to the charity Asthma UK, one in 12 adults currently receives treatment for asthma. Historically, people have believed that running and asthma are not a good combination, but while asthma can affect your ability to run and running can sometimes trigger asthma, we now know there are huge benefits to combining the two. With careful management of asthma and a positive mindset, you can enjoy running at every level. Paula Radcliffe has asthma, after all!
What is asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition of the lungs which means that you have it for life. How much it affects you varies from year to year and even from day to day. Three things happen in the lungs of an asthma sufferer. Firstly, the airways which are made of smooth muscle become sensitive; they narrow and spasm, making it harder for air to flow in and out. This is called bronchoconstriction or bronchospasm. Secondly, there is inflammation of the lining of the airways which causes them to swell and narrow. Finally, there is an increased production of mucous which plugs the airways and impedes air flow.
Symptoms of asthma
As a result of the airway narrowing and increased mucous, there are a number of symptoms that people with asthma can experience:
• Cough - worse at night or early morning
• Wheeze - mostly when you breathe out
• A tight chest
• Shortness of breath - on exertion
Why do you get asthma?
We don’t fully understand why some people get asthma and others don’t but there are certain factors that make it more likely: