Being a little short of breath after exercising is normal; however, shortness of breath combined with acid reflux is not. Although acid reflux is usually triggered by eating certain foods, it can also come about due to exercising directly after eating. If you experience acid reflux regularly, consult with your physician for treatment options.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux causes symptoms such as heartburn, pain in the chest, nausea after eating, coughing and wheezing, difficulty swallowing, hiccups, regurgitation of food and sore throat. According to Pub Med Health, these symptoms are normally triggered by eating spicy or fatty foods, drinking caffeinated beverages, eating full-fat dairy products, peppermint, exercising soon after eating, wearing tight clothes or lying down soon after eating.
Acid Reflux and Exercise
Being short of breath after eating due to exercising occurs if you exercise too soon after eating. Waiting at least two to three hours after eating to exercise should help minimize these symptoms. Wearing tight-fitting workout clothing can put pressure on the diaphragm, which pushes the contents of the stomach upwards triggering acid reflux. In addition, energy drinks that contain caffeine or sugar may also trigger acid reflux.
Considerations
Avoid becoming dehydrated, drinking liquids that contain sugar or caffeine, and exercising too soon after eating to help prevent bouts of acid reflux. In addition, you may be able to take over-the-counter antacids, which can temporarily stop acid reflux. Pub Med Health states that using over-the-counter and prescription drugs together to treat chronic acid reflux works more slowly than antacids, but can give you longer relief. Consult your physician to get a prescription for these.
Concerns
If you experience wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing or lightheadedness after exercising -- whether you experience these symptoms with acid reflux symptoms or not -- consult with your physician immediately. Wheezing and coughing or shortness of breath after exercise are also symptoms of asthma.
