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Any GP's or Asthma specialists out there today?
Ok, so some background.... never been diagnosed before with Asthma or related such things. Always get a bit bunged up from late Oct/Nov through to end of Feb (roughly) every year, but always put it down to some kind of tree allergy or time of year with typical bugs around.
However, recently (last 3-4 weeks) Ive been out on rides and been fine... briskly smashing along nicely but then 40km's in or after lots of climbing found my breathing is slightly restricted. Feels like Ive lost the top 10-15% of my breathing capability. No wheezing or coughing, just felt a sudden drop in ability and top end oommph. Legs feel fine, well hydrated etc.
Also heart rate on cold days has been higher than normal... hitting 180+ bpm on regular basis rather than low to mid 170's... but just put this down to cold weather.
So, could this be exercise induced asthma?
Better get a GP appt booked for new year I guess, but not sure its worth bothering my local surgery with.
You are the new Chris Froome!
Start riding road.
LOL eddiebaby - This is on the road 🙂 as well as MTB.
There'll be an asthma clinic at your local surgery. Book in to see the nurse and get a peak flow test done.
They'll probably prescribe you ventolin (salbutamol) even if the flow meter is inconclusive, as I'd say your symptoms sound like pretty classic mild asthma brought on by cold weather/illness/exercise.
Pretty much exactly how I felt a couple of years ago, and a pre-emptive puff before a ride sorts me out 90% of the time.
I've had these symptoms a couple of times, but only after a longish layoff and after a hard climb. Not during the climb, but just after, when your heartrate spikes.
Felt a bit like a panic attack, I slowed my breathing and it faded rapidly.
Mine, I think was caused by pushing too hard too soon ?
Doesn't happen when I am regularly cycling
Cheers ajantom
Good idea on the clinic had forgotten they have one.
Guess age is catching up with me
IANAD - but I think a careful choice of words should be used here as it might not be medically diagnosed Asthma per se:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise-induced_bronchoconstriction
Note the bit about Spirometer results at rest. Normal = EIB in most cases, not Asthma.
Worth a read, but see a doctor.
It is my understanding that that as part of the way the lungs work, to assist the absorption of oxygen, the lungs have to warm the air that comes into them and have to keep the air moist; repeated exercise in cold weather especially where you are breathing hard, means the lungs can get a little overwhelmed and this causes inflammation of the bronchials (a doctor would explain it a lot better).
There was a well known study years ago that showed the number of XC skiers at the winter Olympics showed that about 54% had Exercise induced asthma from repeatedly training in cold weather, cyclists were second.
This is why many do the slower "base" miles outside and harder efforts on the trainer these days.
I suffer myself, i found that a thin cotton Buff over my face helped a breathe through it the air stays a bit more moist and less cold.
i found this a good book a few years:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breathe-Strong-Perform-Better-McConnell/dp/0736091696
Its a good point Scud, I was advised to stick an oil filled rad in the pain cave to warm the air.
I reckon I've got it. I've done NOTHING this year as far as exercise goes due to the Mrs being as ill as an ill thing & me looking after her & worrying a lot. Anyway I noticed I was wheezing a bit when I was exhaling, like a squeeky sound, didn't think a lot of it till I went out on the road bike & just could not seem to get any air in my lungs. I could take a big breath but it seemed to give no benefit. I tried the wifes inhaler when I got home & felt loads better, went out on the bike next day but used the inhaler before I went & again felt loads better (just really unfit)
I've been to the docs & have now got a brown preventative inhaler & a blue one.
I'm 61, never smoked or had any particular chest problems never mind bloody asthma!
I'm with Scud on this (both in practice and in the broad understanding of why what helps, helps).
I always start my winter rides and run with a light buff up over my face, even if it's only for the first few KM until I get going.
You may well hit a volume issue under exertion, but maybe try breathing through your nose when it happens, given that warming / moistening the air is something that noses do pretty well.
Without the buff it feels like the task is taking way more effort than it should be given the pace / effort (especially as I like to start off nice and slow) - it feels how I imagine not getting *quite* enough oxygen out of the air would feel. I'm not short-of-breath as such, it's just what I'm getting isn't quite enough to supply the demand.
OP
Ask your GP for a spirometer test and also a D-dimer blood test. You could also ask for a blue inhaler and see if that makes a difference.
Chests and breathing are not something to be taken lightly - you may just have a virus etc but best to get checked over properly.
I’m not trying to worry you and I’m sure you’re fine, but please get a full check up.
I've had EIA since I was a kid. I don't ride much in the Winter as cold exacerbates the symptoms. As above a buff over the face does help when I do.
I've found that taking a decongestant and a couple of puffs of Salbutamol before a ride prevents 99% of my symptoms. Keeping on top of hydration also helps me.
YMMV of course.
Doctors do not know the basic cause of asthma, but it is interesting to note that pressing one's lips together stops symptoms such as wheeze by a reflex, see GV26. So with so much pollen around in late May, I keep on concentrating on on nose breathing with powerful and noisy inhales. This has cured my otherwise lifelong asthma with the horrific attacks.
Sounds exactly like my symptoms. Doctor diagnosed EIA and I have a puff on the blue inhaler and it sorts it out. Makes a huge difference to my riding especially in cold or humid weather.
If you keep a really strong stiff upper lip asthma goes away. See a doctor about getting off asthma drugs. Cheers, Richard