16th August 2007
I am a 59 year old male and I was diagnosed with excersized induced asthma about 12 years ago. I was prescribed one puff of Pulmicort once a day. It seemed to work. Since then about every 3 years or so I needed to increase the dosage because I felt it wasn't working at the time. I started bike riding a little over 2 years ago. I go on fairly fast 50-60 mile rides with my local bike club once a week. Usually I'll go out another time solo during the week on a 10-30 mile ride. For the first year and a half or so the pulmicort was working fine. Even on 40-50 mile winter rides where the temperature could be as low as 25 degrees during a ride. Late last November (the temperature was about 60 degrees) I had trouble breathing mid way going up a steep hill for the first time in about 3 years. I used to carry Albuterol with me but stopped as I was riding for over a year and never needed it. It took about 25 minutes to catch my breath. I continued on for another 10 miles or so then again up another tough hill had the same problem. I rested again for 25 minutes until I caught my breath and finished the ride. I called my pulmologist and he said it was an isolated incident and not to worry about it. He was basically right. For I rode into the winter with no problems. Then abain on a tough ride in March I had the same problem again in a middle of a steep hill. This time I tried the Albuterol but it didn't seem to help. It took about 30 minutes for me to stop breathing hard. I rode another 5 miles for our 30 minute lunch and by the time it was over I felt fine. I was fine for about another month then again the same thing happened on a tough ride. I started taking the albuterol before rides sometimes a few minutes before starting sometimes about 10 minutes. Recently now on almost any ride with hills I get an event where I have trouble breathing. So about a month ago started taking 4 puffs per day and the albuterol before rides. It doesn't seem to help. It has gotten to the point where I feel totally waisted and tired during rides and have to "limp" back to the lot on the bike. I just have no energy. Interestingly 2 weeks ago I did a 100 mile century and felt pretty good. However it was totally flat and I didn't have to go up any hills which usually do me in. I just stopped riding with the club because I am holding them back. I have an appt with my doctor this coming Monday. I am curioius if anyone else has had similiar experiences. Also for those that also have EIA I am interested in what medication(s) you are taking and how do you prepare (if necessary) before your activity. thanks, and sorry about the long post.