Asthma problems and hiking

[d2b2]

Thinking about a thru hike in a few years, but am wondering if other hikers suffer with asthma symptoms/issues and dealing with them on the trail. Anyone have a 'been there, this is how I got through it'?? The heat and humidity is especially a concern for me.

I would appreciate any and all help/suggestions.

Many TIA!

[halftime]

Thinking about a thru hike in a few years, but am wondering if other hikers suffer with asthma symptoms/issues and dealing with them on the trail. Anyone have a 'been there, this is how I got through it'?? The heat and humidity is especially a concern for me.

I would appreciate any and all help/suggestions.

Many TIA!

Welcome to WB d2b2

I am not a thru hiker so can't advise you on specific conditions you will face but I am sure others who can will chime in. I can share some general experience. This is something one could write a book about as you probobly already know.

IMO chronic Asthma is nothing to take lightly. My daughter (22 yo) has had severe alergies and respiratory problems her whole life. First sign of cronic asthma at 13 when we almost lost her to a severe attack. She has been under constant medication and enhailers since that time. Has had problems from time to time but has become well educated and the preventative medication has worked pretty well. She has never let her asthma stop her. She was quite active in youth sports (FP softball) has been on many camping trips and continues an active lifestyle. She just knows her body and is diligent in having her enhalers (more than one kind) with her in case an emergency comes up. On one trip away from home at age 17, she did make a trip to the emergency room thinking that she may need a shot of adrenilin. Ended up needing a nebulizer treatment only.

Your well being during your hike will depend on several things, such as severity of your condition, kind of medication you need, awareness of specific alergies, knowing what conditions could trigger an attack and above all listening to what your body is telling you, knowing your limitations and avoid placing yourself in risky situations as much as possible.

Preventative treatment to me would be the single most important thing you could do. Hopefully you have an knowledgeble doctor that can advise you and prescribe the necessary medication for both preventative and emergency care. I am sure there are some options that will work better for you than others. If your condition is severe enough you might check the availabliity of emergency adrenilin treatment. Something my Daughter does not seem to need with her other treatment but know of others who do.

Would not let asthma discourage you. You are going about it the right way in learning all you can about what conditions you will face. You probobly will need to start with some caution but your confidence should grow as you gradually gain strength and stamina as you progress through your hike. Best of luck

[blackbishop351]

Thinking about a thru hike in a few years, but am wondering if other hikers suffer with asthma symptoms/issues and dealing with them on the trail. Anyone have a 'been there, this is how I got through it'?? The heat and humidity is especially a concern for me.

I would appreciate any and all help/suggestions.

Many TIA!

I've had asthma since birth and I've been hiking since I was about 7. I've never thru'd, but I have tenative plans to do so within the next 6 or 7 years.

Conditioning is the best advice I can give. Depending on the severity of your condition, you don't necessarily have to get in shape for a marathon, but getting used to the conditions you'll face on the trail is definitely a plus. And regular exercise is definitely helpful for asthma in general, of course. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you didn't already know.

As far as medication, I used a prescription albuterol inhaler for years. I've used various types of preventative inhalers as well. Due to lack of insurance and money a few years ago, however, I switched to primatene mist and I've never gone back. It's cheaper (without insurance), easier to find (most drug stores and of course Walmart), and I honestly think it works better as a fast-acting solution.

[ScottP]

I have asthma and thru-hiked.

Very cold air generally hurts asthmatics more than heat and humidity.

The only advice I can give you? Show up in shape. You'll either deal with it or let it stop you from hiking. Your choice.

"Suffering is a given, misery is not"

[Hammerhead]

For inspiration, check out Everest on the Discovery Channel. "Mogens (pronounced like "bones") Jensen is a former elite athlete and Iron Man competitor. As a chronic asthma sufferer, he is determined to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen."

[orangebug]

As mentioned earlier, how your asthma affects you at home will be a good indicator of what to expect on the trail. I have occasional reactive airway, with some aspects of exercise induced asthma as well as allergen. While hiking, I've had more concern about cats at hostels than any other exposure, but so far no real problem.

Bring your medications, refill prescriptions, ID with numbers/names of docs and meds, and prolly two inhalers - one for the just in case you run out. I've been surprised how difficult it is to give that information when struggling to breathe.

[Mr. Clean]

I would say if your asthema is under control, you'll probably be okay. About one out of seven day hikes for me in the Whites I'll use my abuterol, but I never get in really tough shape. I could probably do without it, but carry it anyway.

[SideWedge]

For me the most important thing is knowing my own body and the signs of an attack coming on. Now I can feel when I'm pushing too hard, and need to slow down or take break, usually preventing the need for a fast-acting inhaler. I would never go hiking without the albuterol on my person, and use a preventative (Advair) to help my lungs along. Another thing I found is that the more you have your pack's weight on your hips, the easier you'll breathe, since its just that much less compression on your torso, that much more room for your lungs to expand.