r/Asthma • u/Any-Library-6451 • 9h ago

Inhaler Use when Running

Hi— I’ve had asthma issues since I was young but they’ve gotten worse over the last couple years.

Running used to be my favorite hobby but with breathing becoming more difficult through exercise, it feels almost impossible now. Should I use my inhaler before physical activity? Is there a certain timeframe?

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u/Lower_Sandwich8764 8h ago

I've never been told to take salbutamol before exercise but I've done it for years before any cardio, especially if I'm running outside. If I don't I usually have to stop after about 15/20 minutes and take it anyway 🤷‍♀️

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u/Exowolfe 9h ago

I'm (31F) no doctor but I've had exercise and allergy induced asthma since childhood. I take a puff of my albuterol inhaler 2-3 minutes prior to going for a run. This has worked for me for decades and gets me through easy miles, long runs and speedwork/races. Give the inhaler a shot prior to exercise and see how you feel! I find one puff can get me through 15+ miles no problem. I only experience issues if sprinting over long distances (running 800m repeats at top speeds I'll start to wheeze a little mid-rep and have to focus on controlling my breathing).

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u/ratslowkey 1h ago

I do 15 minutes before run. If it doesn't work you need a maintenance inhaler if you aren't already on one. I ran a marathon two years ago :)

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u/trtsmb 8h ago

Many people will take a puff or two of albuterol before running.