If you exercise vigorously without warming up or gradually building up your endurance, you may find yourself short of breath and with your lungs hurting from the effort to suck in needed oxygen. Don't dismiss lung soreness as the necessary price to pay for poor fitness, as it may be the result of asthma, muscle fatigue and other underlying conditions. Consult a physician before launching any new exercise regimen, and make a follow-up appointment if activities make your lungs sore.
Asthma
Soreness in your lungs after exercise could signal that you suffer from asthma. About 40 to 90 percent of asthma cases are triggered only by exercise, according to "The New York Times." If you suffer from exercise-induced asthma, you may experience fewer attacks if you perform activities that require short bursts of energy rather than long-term endurance. You may be able to prevent this type of asthma by strictly adhering to proper warm-up and cool-down routines, and avoiding exercising in cool, dry climates. If your asthma stems from allergies, exercise indoors to limit your exposure to allergens.
Chest Pain
If you experience chest pain or chest congestion as well as shortness of breath during exercise, consult a physician. This can indicate asthma, lung disease or heart problems, and you may need to alter your exercise routine to suit your condition. Soreness in your lungs and shortness of breath after exercise frequently -- about one-third of the time -- indicates muscle fatigue, notes "The New York Times." Seek professional advice and treatment, if necessary, if chest pain accompanies soreness in your lungs.
Lung Scan
If your doctor rules out heart problems, he may use a lung gallium scan to detect other causes of your distress. This procedure uses radioactive gallium to identify any kind of inflammation or swelling in the lungs. Abnormal results may indicate respiratory infections like pneumonia or sarcoidosis.
Prevention
Regular exercise, including walking on a daily basis, can keep your lungs and muscles in good working order and prevent shortness of breath during exercise. Exercise stretches your lungs, while inactivity leaves a large portion of your lungs unused and open to infection. Eating fruits and vegetables regularly may also improve lung function, as can deep breathing exercises and working in a nontoxic environment.
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