Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, with exercise is a common complaint that can be caused by a variety of conditions. Depending on the type and intensity of exercise, some degree of breathing difficulty is normal. However, a February 1998 article in American Family Physician explains that any shortness of breath that is uncomfortable or abnormal for you, based on your fitness level and overall threshold for breathlessness, could be a legitimate concern. If you have no existing asthma or pulmonary problems, several conditions could be contributing to your symptom.
Deconditioning or Obesity
Restarting an exercise regimen after a long hiatus could cause you to experience shortness of breath, because your body is not accustomed to the higher level of exertion. Typically, by starting at a mild intensity and slowly increasing the time and difficulty of exercise, breathing capacity will gradually improve.
It is also possible that body weight can play a role in breathing difficulty with exercise. An April 2008 study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that, especially in otherwise healthful obese women, dyspnea during exercise is strongly associated with an increased oxygen cost of breathing.
Cardiovascular Disease
Heart conditions have also been known to cause shortness of breath with exercise. Heart disease can cause breathlessness if the muscle is unable to pump enough blood to supply oxygen to the rest of the body. Coronary artery disease and heart rhythm disturbances, such as atrial fibrillation, can contribute to dyspnea. To diagnose a heart condition, your physician might prescribe a number of tests, such as exercise stress testing, electrocardiogram, or echocardiogram, or ultrasound of the heart.
Allergies and Environmental Factors
Allergies to a substance that exists in the area or facility in which you exercise is a possible cause of dyspnea. Especially because you are inhaling the allergens at a more rapid rate during intense physical activity, you are more vulnerable to shortness of breath. Common allergies include dust, mold, or pollen, which is generally more applicable to those who exercise outdoors.
Rapid ascent to high altitudes, where less oxygen is in the air, can also result in breathing difficulty. Breathing air that is colder or more humid than what you are used to could lead to uncomfortable breathing patterns.
Other Considerations
The list of possible causes of your shortness of breath during exercise is not limited to those mentioned. Other causes include panic attacks, general anxiety, hiatal hernia, or pneumonia. Consult your physician if you experience trouble breathing for an extended period or if shortness of breath is severe enough to interfere with or limit your daily activities.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Diagnostic Evaluation of Dyspnea; Walter C. Morgan, et al.; February 1998
- "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine"; Dyspnea on Exertion in Obese Women; Tony G. Babb, et al.; April 2008
- "The New York Times"; Breathing Difficulty
- National Library of Medicine; Breathing difficulty
