It's a viscious cycle, in my opinion. I'd vote for the combination of asthma and being out of shape. Use your inhalers as prescribed. Do some simple walking. When I started, I could hardly walk a quarter of a block. Now, I can go for 15 minutes or so. There are people on this board who have asthma that are training for a marathon! Don't let asthma stop you from exercising but do exercise as you are able.

As far as know what part is the asthma and what part is the lack of fitness, do this: climb up those stairs and get in touch what the problem is. Is it huffing and puffing and tightness in your chest (asthma) or are your muscles aching and feeling weak from the climb (weakness).

Does it really matter? Use your inhalers as prescribed and begin regular exercise. Start with doing some simple stretches and then go for short walks. Increase as you are able.

Just my opinion!

Rona

do you exercise? ARE you out of shape?

i get out of breath walking up hills at college but i am no where near out of shape and how bad it is depends on the weather a lot.

I am an serious athlete and constantly have troubles breathing. Whether it be going up a flight or two of stairs, or just walking up the hill to campus despite the fact that I do it everyday, and have already done a 2km run that morning. I am in good shape, so in no way can I attribute it to being unfit.

i am out of shape but i just dont know what is best to do because i really hate the feeling of being out of breath and wanting to do excersize!!
thanks for your help x

Talk to your dr, but you could take peak flow before and after?

what is a peak flow?!

I agree with the majority being out of shape has nothing to do with sudden shortness of breath with exertion.
asthma is always lying about waiting to attack.Be ready by carrying an inhaler with you as I have been told by my doctor.
Be aware of the condition and stay prepared honey.

Vesty--

A peak flow measurement is a measurement of the amount of air you can exhale in a short burst...more or less. A peak flow meter is a simple plastic thing you exhale quickly into to understand how well your lungs are handling the air they use. When you exhale, a little plastic part moves to show where you are. You need to talk to your doc about deciding where your good, not so good, and bad peak flow zones are. Often times, your peak flow will alert you that you are getting into trouble before symptoms occur.

Your Asthma is always there to hit you wether you're fit or not, it just depends on the severity of your condition, and the enviroment you are in.

Don't get me wrong, being fit and healthy does help alot,but it won't get rid of your Asthma.

thanks u lot ur all helpful i will keep this in mind

I would think getting fit would deffinatly help your Asthma, just a struggle getting fit with it. Back in my high school days i rarely had a problem with Asthma as i was going about my daily business and playin football on a regular. Now im almost 24 and have been lazy and a computer guy for the last 7 years or so my Asthma is the worst it has ever been thanks to GERD and being very very unfit! I tried to play Football a few months back and i was knackered after a few minutes.

i have that same problem and im young itz ur asthma