How to Run With Inhalers

Asthma causes airway passages to constrict, making breathing more difficult. Exercise induced asthma results from the body's reaction to the sudden rise in internal temperature which, in turn, results in harmful airway constriction. Unfortunately, this ailment prevents children and adults from engaging in physical exercises such as running. Stop avoiding running and other strenuous exercises by utilizing your inhaler before, during and after runs. According to WebMD, even star athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee had asthma. If an Olympian can run with this ailment, so can you.

Instructions

• 1

  Use your inhaler 15 minutes before running. Take off the front mouthpiece cap, shake the inhaler several times, put to your mouth with your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and press down on the canister. Breath in slowly as the inhaler administers the medicine and hold your breath for 10 seconds. This allows the medicine to circulate through your lungs.

• 2

  Start running 15 minutes after using the inhaler. Make sure to keep the inhaler on your person, or near you at all times. Pay close attention to your breathing -- and any feelings that indicate your air passages are tightening up again.

• 3

  Administer another dose of medicine from the inhaler, if you have difficulty breathing. In this situation, stop running immediately and use the inhaler. Wait until breathing difficulties have subsided. You can start running again at this time.