Jogging in chilly weather can be exhilarating and refreshing, though cold air can wreak havoc on your lungs and make for a rather unpleasant running experience. Some joggers fear that cold air could cause their lungs to freeze, though any burning sensation you may feel during a jog is merely an indication that your lungs are dry. You can take some simple precautions when jogging in the cold to relieve burning in your lungs.
Burning Lungs
If you experience a burning sensation in your lungs when you jog, you're not alone. This is a common reaction to cold temperature running many runners undergo if they are sensitive to cold air and don't take proper precautions. Your lungs become dry due to the lack of moisture in cold air, which causes the airways in your lungs to narrow. When the air you are breathing is passing through narrowed airways, it irritates the organ fibers, which causes the burning feeling. In most cases, the burning feeling passes after a jog when the lungs regain moisture and the airways widen again. If you experience a chronic burning sensation during and long after your runs, speak to your doctor.
Conditioning
Being able to deal with cold air temperatures is partly dependent on your conditioning and fitness. The more you run and develop your aerobic endurance, the less work your cardiovascular system has to do to supply oxygen to your body. This reduces the amount of air that has to pass through your lung's airways. In general, joggers that run on a regular basis are well-acclimated and can deal better with cold air.
Breathing Technique
Breathing through your mouth for a long period of time while jogging can exacerbate the burning feeling. Depending how fast you are running, try inhaling through your nose periodically. If you are jogging at a pace that allows you to breathe in a moderate, steady rhythm, you may be able to breathe through your nose to reduce the amount of cold air you are taking in. Exhale fully through your mouth and inhale again through your nose. Do this for as long as you can comfortably.
Precautions
Some simple self-help tips can relieve burning sensations in the lungs. Be sure you wear warm and protective clothing that covers your entire torso and neck. Use a thin scarf and try to breathe through it. The scarf captures the moisture you exhale, thereby moistening the air you subsequently inhale. Besides wearing proper clothing, take a water bottle with you and keep hydrated. This helps keep your mouth from drying out when inhaling cold air.
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