If you have generalized asthma, exercise is a common trigger for symptoms, but for some people it's the only trigger. Some burning in your lungs during vigorous exercise if you're out of shape is normal, but the symptoms are more noticeable with exercise-induced asthma. Consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Identification
The burning sensation in your lungs while exercising usually starts within 5 minutes of performing continuous aerobic activity. You often find it difficult to exercise because of the burning sensation and have difficulties exercising more than 30 minutes at a time. Once you stop exercising, the symptoms subside, decrease or worsen. Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest pain, chest tightness, fatigue and difficulties breathing.
Cause
The exact cause of exercise-induced asthma is unknown. When you start exercising, your airways swell and produce excess mucus that makes it difficult to catch your breath during physical activity. The burning in your chest occurs because of the inflammation of the airways. Jogging, running and sports that involve continuous aerobic activity are most likely to trigger the burning sensation. The symptoms are most noticeable if you exercise outdoors in cold and dry climates. While resting, you typically breathe through your nose, but intense physical activities cause you to hyperventilate and breathe through the mouth. Breathing through the mouth causes air to skip the nose, which is the natural filtration system that warms and moisturizes air entering the lungs. Air that is colder and dryer than your airways is forced into your lungs and causes an inflammatory response. Pollution, pollen and a respiratory infection are possible triggers that worsen exercise-induced asthma.
Treatment
If your symptoms only occur while exercising, relief is quickly brought by opening your airways with a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator. These quick-relief inhalers are taken shortly before you exercise and allow you to exercise symptom-free for up to 4 hours. A long-acting beta agonist bronchodilator is often prescribed if you frequently need the quick-relief inhaler. This long-acting inhaler provides relief for up to 12 hours and is taken with inhaled corticosteroids. If your symptoms are triggered by allergies, injections of omalizumab or taking antihistamines are frequent treatment methods.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the burning sensation in your lungs while exercising is to take your asthma medications exactly as prescribed. Reduce the burning sensation you experience by warming up and cooling down for 15 minutes before and after exercising. If you're a smoker, stop smoking. Avoid exercising outdoors or near open windows if pollen count is high. Breathe through your nose while exercising.
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