Question:

I'm a life long asthmatic but pretty well controlled by the drugs that I take morning and evening but my breathing gets out of control when I exercise in frosty weather - the moment the air temperature gets below a certain point (as now!). A doctor once told me that asthmatics just shouldn't run outdoors in the winter. Is that right?

Lois

Answer:

Dear Lois,

Unfortunately some asthmatics find that their symptoms are exacerbated by exercise and cold weather conditions. It may be worth discussing your medication with your GP as it may be possible to control your symptoms with alternative types of inhalers. However, I would probably recommend that you confine your winter training to indoors

Kind regards

Angela Benjamin MSc MCSP

Chartered Physiotherapist