Although an occasional episode of breathlessness during an especially vigorous exercise session can be normal, repeated episodes of shortness of breath or wheezing might indicate something more serious. If the breathing problems are new, occur regularly or if they are getting worse, schedule an appointment with your doctor. He can determine what condition, if any, is causing your breathing problems and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Potential Causes
Exercising outdoors can cause allergies to flare up, which can create nasal congestion that can make it hard to breathe. Heart problems can also cause difficulty breathing during exercise since your heart might not be able to pump enough blood to accommodate your increased oxygen needs. Obesity and a lack of regular exercise can also cause problems when you first start an exercise routine.
Exercise-induced Asthma
If your shortness of breath occurs regularly during exercise, especially after aerobic exercise, you might have exercise-induced asthma -- EIA. Other symptoms of this condition include coughing during exercise or directly afterward, sore throat, a tight or painful feeling in your chest, a headache and sore muscles. Your symptoms will usually appear within five to 20 minutes of the start of your exercise session and last for 30 to 60 minutes. You can develop EIA even if you do not have chronic asthma or any other types of breathing problems.
Triggers
Exercising outdoors in cold, dry air can make EIA worse. Normally, your nose warms up air before it goes into your lungs. When you exercise, you breathe through your mouth, which allows the cold air to pass directly into your lungs. This can cause the airways in your lungs to narrow, which will provoke asthma symptoms. Air pollutants and exercising with a cold or another viral infection can also trigger an EIA attack.
Treatment and Prevention
Your doctor will develop a treatment plan for managing your EIA that might include preventive treatment, like allergy medications and bronchodilators to keep your lungs open, and quick-relief medicines like inhalers filled with asthma medicines. Covering your mouth when you exercise outdoors or in cold, dry weather can help prevent EIA. Train yourself to breathe through your nose during exercise sessions instead of your mouth. Stop exercising immediately if you experience any symptoms of EIA, and do not exercise when you are sick with a cold or flu. Warm up by doing light exercises before starting your routine, and cool down for at least 10 minutes after your session.
