I wanted or share what has worked for me to effectively prevent my cholinergic urticaria that would effect me terribly during the first 20 minutes or so of exercising. I’ve been fighting this problem for well over 15 years with minimal success and was surprised that what I’m going to share made any difference.
Before and during the first 15 minutes of working out, I breathe in large amounts of air and breathe out … Usually ten-twenty large inhales and exhales. I would do this to the point of almost lightheadedness, then breathe normally. I was doing this just to make sure I had sufficient oxygen before running, but the impact on my cholinergic urticaria was amazing.
I went from virtually unbearable attacks during exercise to virtually unnoticed. I don’t know why or if this is a real thing …but it’s worked for me now many times, so I think it may be a real thing?
I’d love to have some others test this to see if anyone else has similar positive experiences?
Thanks,
Mike
Hivesguy says
That’s interesting, Mike. I appreciate you sharing that with others sufferers.
Shashank Singh says
“Before and during the first 15 minutes of working out, I breathe in large amounts of air and breathe out … Usually ten-twenty large inhales and exhales. I would do this to the point of almost lightheadedness” –
– Wouldn’t this tire you out soon and eat up much of your workout stamina !
I too have started to do more of cardio workouts (to sweat out for the urticaria I am suffering with) and the first 15 mins are surely terrible, I just suck it up and have to bear the pain until I sweat.
But I’ll try it out.
Thanks Mike for sharing this !
John says
Interesting. I wonder if breathing oxygen would work? Or is it the exhalation of other gases? Or would a few minutes of meditation focused on breathing do the same? Good experiments.
Shashank Singh says
I have observed the more I remain calm and composed, I am less prone to triggering my urticaria and John, as pointed out by you- Meditation might help.
But it makes me wonder ’cause a person can not always remain calm and relaxed, he/she will tend to get excited/hot and other human extreme emotions !
Mike says
I’m glad you guys are interested. You suffer exactly like me, so I like to share. My experience is Definitely a different experience than meditation. Much more energetic and less about relaxation or mindfulness. I don’t know if oxygen is the cause of the benefit for me versus the removal of CO2, but I’d like to see if anyone else benefits. The only other thing I’ve had some success with prior to exercising is trying to warm up slowly over time before exercising … However, even simple warming up like walking sometimes doesn’t help. It’s often easier to “fight through” the painful itch until the sweet relief of sweat breaking through happens. In that case, I would just hit a treadmill on high speed to sweat as quick as possible. Let me know if you find any benefits. Try a few times and let me know!!! Thanks – Mike