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Dealing with Asthma in BJJ
1 year(s) ago • 916 views • 5 replies
MBrown beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Over the last years I had kind of a shortness in breath while sparring, although I train S&C in addition to BJJ 6 times a week (basic endurance/ steady state, intervals on the airbike, you name it). So because it didn’t feel normal I went to the doctors. I am 49 almost and got diagnosed Asthma bronchiale in 2023.
Since then I had to use asthma inhalers. So I use it in the morning and before going to bed and before sparring.
Doctors said it’s not unusual to get asthma when getting older and if you have like genetic prerequisites or allergies and/ or stress (I got both).
So I am really not unfit, I don’t smoke, I am a licensed sports and fitness instructor and DT/ Control tactics instructor and do sports and conditioning on daily basis, but at times in sparring because of the Asthma I really get out of breath and even have to tap.
I never had this the years before and it really pulls me down at times mentally.
I tap often of course and I switched my focus more to teaching, tap when I have to, skip every other round to get my breath back… my performance really changed
I would lie if I say it wouldn’t affect me.
Somebody out there who also has Asthma and has to deal with a similar issue as a „40+/50+“ grappler and how do you cope with it, what are your strategies and do you have any advice for me?
Since then I had to use asthma inhalers. So I use it in the morning and before going to bed and before sparring.
Doctors said it’s not unusual to get asthma when getting older and if you have like genetic prerequisites or allergies and/ or stress (I got both).
So I am really not unfit, I don’t smoke, I am a licensed sports and fitness instructor and DT/ Control tactics instructor and do sports and conditioning on daily basis, but at times in sparring because of the Asthma I really get out of breath and even have to tap.
I never had this the years before and it really pulls me down at times mentally.
I tap often of course and I switched my focus more to teaching, tap when I have to, skip every other round to get my breath back… my performance really changed
I would lie if I say it wouldn’t affect me.
Somebody out there who also has Asthma and has to deal with a similar issue as a „40+/50+“ grappler and how do you cope with it, what are your strategies and do you have any advice for me?
AMBlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Not a doctor, but have lived with chronic asthma all my life.
If it's making your life that miserable you should be speaking to your doctor about how your asthma is being managed. I almost never need my inhaler during training (occasionally in very cold weather).
People have different triggers though, so it's worth speaking to your doctor, looking at a peak flow test and making sure your action plan and the inhaler(s) you've been prescribed are right for you.
If it's making your life that miserable you should be speaking to your doctor about how your asthma is being managed. I almost never need my inhaler during training (occasionally in very cold weather).
People have different triggers though, so it's worth speaking to your doctor, looking at a peak flow test and making sure your action plan and the inhaler(s) you've been prescribed are right for you.
MMircoOP
Brown beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Not a doctor, but have lived with chronic asthma all my life. If it's making your life that miserable you should be speaking to your doctor about how your asthma is being managed. I almost never need my inhaler during training (occasionally in very cold weather). People have different triggers though, so it's worth speaking to your doctor, looking at a peak flow test and making sure your action plan and the inhaler(s) you've been prescribed are right for you.
Thanks for answering! I already made an appointment for a follow up examination, because I have the impression it got worse…
You can imagine especially in BJJ how it affects my performance on the mat if you can’t breathe properly….
Fingers crossed !
You can imagine especially in BJJ how it affects my performance on the mat if you can’t breathe properly….
Fingers crossed !
HBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
As a respiratory therapist i would recommend you start on a high protein and fat diet with minimal carbs, also try to get your doctor to prescribe you a medication that we in the USA call duo Neb it is a mix of ipratropium bromide and albuterol. The ipratropium will block a certain enzyme that causes mucus production and your airways to constrict while the albuterol is actively dilating it. Take this medication if you can get around 10-15 minutes before you workout for the best results.
MMircoOP
Brown beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
As a respiratory therapist i would recommend you start on a high protein and fat diet with minimal carbs, also try to get your doctor to prescribe you a medication that we in the USA call duo Neb it is a mix of ipratropium bromide and albuterol. The ipratropium will block a certain enzyme that causes mucus production and your airways to constrict while the albuterol is actively dilating it. Take this medication if you can get around 10-15 minutes before you workout for the best results.
Hey, thanks for the advice and reply! I will look that up and will talk about that at my next appointment with my pulmonologist!
At the moment I use an inhaler with Beclometason and Formoterol, in the morning, before going to bed and before sparring.
At the moment I use an inhaler with Beclometason and Formoterol, in the morning, before going to bed and before sparring.
HBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
The Beclomethasone is your steroid which is always needed for asthma to reduce the swelling and mucus production. Formoterol is what we call a LAMA medication which stands for “ Long-acting muscarinic antagonists” it’s more for management of asthma while your SABA medications or “short acting” is for more rescuing in a way but if you only experience symptoms when you workout then you have exercise induced asthma and do not need long term management. The duo neb will last 4-6 hours which is all you need for a good practice. I’m always happy to help with respiratory issues message me anytime you need brother!
