Exercise is good for your muscles, heart health and lung capacity. Experiencing unfamiliar feelings while running, such as a burning sensation in your chest, can be frightening. Get chest pain of any kind checked out by a medical professional to rule out serious health problems. Once you know what causes the burning pain, you can take steps to avoid it and participate in pain-free workouts.
Bronchial Infection
A burning sensation in the chest, especially when you take a deep breath, can be a sign of one of several types of bronchial infections. Pleurisy, the inflammation of the covering of the lungs called the pleura, and tracheal disorders can manifest themselves in part by a burning pain. Deep breathing plays a part in many types of exercise, causing a burning and raw pain in the throat, neck or chest area. Asthma, a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes, may also be the root of chest burning during exercise. People who have exercise-induced asthma may not show any symptoms of the disease while at rest. During periods of physical activity, wheezing, chest constriction and burning can all be signs of an asthma attack.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux and heartburn can cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat, and some people may notice an increase of symptoms while exercising. Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter -- the muscle that separates the stomach from the windpipe -- relaxes, allowing stomach acids to revert back up into the throat. The winter 2003 issue of the AMAA Journal reports that the link between working out -- specifically among runners -- and reflux has been studied in earnest only since the 1990s, but evidence finds that the burning, nausea and chest pain affects casual runners as well as serious athletes.
Treatment
Treating a burning sensation in the chest varies according to the exact cause. Respiratory infections that are bacterial in nature are treated with antibiotics. Symptoms tend to abate as the infection clears. If you have chronic bronchial problems such as exercise-induced asthma or chronic bronchitis, exercising in the warmer weather may help ease your pain. The cold air can be harsher on your bronchial tissues and cause pain and burning. Antacid medications and lifestyle changes may relieve acid reflux. Eat a small snack before exercising to be sure you're not running on empty. Heavy, greasy foods are more likely to upset your stomach and create heartburn. Steering clear of citrus and tomato-based products as well as caffeine and alcohol can also cut back on your reflux.
Prevention
Wear comfortable clothing during a workout if your burning chest symptoms stem from acid reflux. Pants with tight waistbands put more pressure on your stomach than loose outfits and can intensify symptoms. Instead, choose workout or yoga pants that use a drawstring so you can adjust the pressure on your digestive tract.
References
- National Lung Health Education Program: Chest Pain; 2000.
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Tips to Remember: Asthma and Exercise; 2010.
- GI Motility Online: Heartburn and Esophageal Pain; Robert Lee and Ravinder Mattai; May 2006.
- AMAA Journal: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Runners; Ashish Sharma and John Levey; Winter 2003.
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