Confirm an action plan with your doctor — know when to use a rescue inhaler and whether to pre-treat before exercise. Exercise-induced bronchospasm is manageable for many runners, but uncontrolled asthma needs medical treatment first.

Asthma

Running with asthma

Confirm an action plan with your doctor — know when to use a rescue inhaler and whether to pre-treat before exercise.
Cold, dry air triggers many people. Breathe through a buff or mask in winter; warm up indoors when possible.
Pollen and air-quality alerts matter. Treadmill or indoor days beat pushing through bad air.
Start runs slower than you think you need; many asthma flares come from going out too fast.
Stop immediately for chest tightness, wheezing that does not ease with your plan, or lightheadedness.

Exercise-induced bronchospasm is manageable for many runners, but uncontrolled asthma needs medical treatment first.

LetsRunNow provides general fitness education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting or changing an exercise program — especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant, are recovering from injury or illness, or have not been active recently. LetsRunNow provides general fitness education, not medical advice. Talk to your physician before starting or changing exercise. Read our full terms.

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