Q. I am 76 and work out with 25 pound weights every day plus many other exercises like bike riding, isometrics, crunches, etc. I came on with asthmatic bronchitis with severe coughing and just not feeling up to snuff. By doing all that exercise, did I prevent the bronchitis from getting worse or did I lower my immune system? I had to go to the doctor for steroids and antibiotics and after eight days, felt better.
A: By way of explanation, I will identify both asthma and bronchitis so I can progress on to asthmatic bronchitis.
Asthma is caused by inflammation that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow that, in turn, lead to a reduced level of available air. This results in shortness of breath, wheezing, cough and tightness of the chest. Known triggers include respiratory infections, a smoking habit, molds, family history of the disorder, inhaled chemicals, pollen, stress, pet dander, and some medications. Attacks can last a few minutes or a few days in duration. Most people with the disorder will be symptom-free at times and have a very compromised respiratory experience at others.
Treatment consists of reducing inflammation of the airway through quick-relief drugs to be taken once an attack has begun or when an individual is going to exercise or engage in an activity that might promote an attack, and long-term preventive medications that are taken even when no symptoms are present.
Bronchitis is a respiratory condition in which the mucus membranes in the lung’s bronchial passages become inflamed, irritated, narrowed, and compromise a person’s airways. There are two forms of bronchitis – acute and chronic. An acute phase may last as long as three weeks, while a chronic form may last substantially longer. The individual will have a productive cough with yellow or green sputum. Chronic bronchitis is as it sounds – long term. This form is found in individuals such as coal miners, cigarette smokers, and those exposed to harsh chemicals in the workplace.
Asthmatic bronchitis is similar, causing wheezing with tightening of the airway. The patient has an infection and subsequent bronchospasms. This is a common respiratory disorder in our country that affects individuals of all ages; however, the elderly are at highest risk for developing it because of an increased sensitivity to airway irritation and inflammation. The most common cause for this condition is viral in nature. Inflammation leads to respiratory congestion and shortness of breath.
Signs and symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the infection. They include shortness of breath, wheezing, a productive cough, chest discomfort, and more. Risk factors include dust, pollen, animal dander, environmental pollutants, smoke (even second-hand from someone else in the household who smokes indoors), exposure to viruses and/or bacteria, and employment in a factory or other setting that may involve harsh chemicals being inhaled. The potential complications of asthmatic bronchitis are pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs), pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), frequent upper respiratory infections, and more.
Treatment is geared toward reducing congestion and asthma-related bronchospasms and commonly includes anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators, adopting healthy lifestyle practices such as consuming a well-balanced diet, avoiding smoking or being in the presence of second-hand smoke, and washing hands frequently to prevent infection.
This appears to be a classic case of asthmatic bronchitis because you continue to exercise (which has known positive effects on the immune system); however, your doctor would know more based on your history and symptoms. Either way, the fact that you are active and exercise regularly works in your favor. You are not doing your immune system any harm by remaining active – quite the opposite. As long as you are not overdoing, you improve your lung function every time you work out. Speak with your primary care physician or a pulmonologist for direction on how much exercise is right for you.