Asthma

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Kate99
Posts: 79
Joined: Thu Aug 04, 2011 3:31 pm
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by Kate99 on Fri Jun 01, 2012 1:26 pm

Asthma

Hi,

I have asthma and i am overweight. When i exercise it causes me to have an asthma attack and it takes me a long time to recover. I take my preventer and reliever inhalers prior to exercising but it doesn't help and i end up exceeding my maximum daily dose. Please help with what i should do to get over this.

Also i am not sure what i should eat to lose weight. I have heard that you should cut carbs but i regularly eat pasta with a (what i think is healthy?) sauce like pesto or tomato. Also what are the thoughts on bread. I have been told that cutting out bread will help me lose weight but I have also heard it is a good source of calcium and fibre.

What is a good plan for exercise and diet to help me?

Thank you so much.

Kate

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Denise Kennedy
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 11:30 am
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by Denise Kennedy on Fri Jun 01, 2012 2:31 pm

Re: Asthma

Hi Kate,
Thanks for your question - you pose some very pertinent questions. Firstly I would recommend that you make an appointment to see your practice nurse at your GPs to have a check on your asthma control. The aim of asthma treatment is to prevent attacks by the correct use of inhalers, and your nurse may be able to help you modify your current treatment regimen to make it better for you. Try to work together with your nurse to enable you to exercise as much as you want. There is lots of information on the NHS Choices website about asthma (see http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/asthma/Pages ... sthma.aspx). Did you know that Paula Radcliffe has asthma? She says "Control your asthma - don't let your asthma control you".
To lose weight you need to make sure that the amount of energy you burn (through daily living and activity/exercise) is MORE than the amount of energy you eat (through food and drink). The ideal way is to lose weight slowly, using a balanced diet with all of the main food groups represented. These are (1) fruit and veg, (2) bread, rice, pasta etc - the carbohydrates, (3) dairy foods and (4) protein foods such as meat, fish and pulses. The EATWELL plate gives you an idea on the proportions of these in your overall diet. See http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pag ... plate.aspx for more information on the eatwell plate. Bread and pasta can be a healthy part of your diet - they are good sources of fibre (especially if wholemeal), some vitamins and minerals, and can help fill you up. Watch what you put on them - butter or cheese on bread can have +++ calories, as can high fat, creamy pasta sauces.
Eat three healthy meals a day, chose low fat dairy and meat options, make half of your main meals vegetables such as salads or veg, and don't forget to ENJOY your food. More tips on losing weight here http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Loseweight/P ... thome.aspx.
Denise Kennedy
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

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Dr Masud Haq
Posts: 85
Joined: Wed Jun 06, 2012 12:48 pm
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by Dr Masud Haq on Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:03 pm

Re: Asthma

Hi Kate

I have to agree with Denise. It would be sensible to seek some advice from your practice nurse or GP to ensure you're on the right treatment for your asthma.
They can review your treatment, check your peak flow and assess your inhaler technique. If there's any indication that you're developing a low grade chest infection a short course of oral steroids and antibiotics may help.

Regards

Masud
Dr M Haq
Dr Masud Haq
Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology
Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells Hospital

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ud_haq.php

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mark
Posts: 71
Joined: Fri Nov 13, 2009 12:38 pm
Location: Hampshire
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by mark on Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:34 pm

Re: Asthma

Hi Kate99

Have you tried Tai Chi, Pilates or Yoga, these may ensure you stay strong and supple yet keep your asthma at bay, they are calm and relaxing, training the mind to train the body and also use breating techniques that may be benefishal to you.
Mark Westbrook
Fitness Consultant
Freelance
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/bl ... arks-blog/

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