About those lungs

[latelatebloomer]

Just this year I discovered that my spring breathing issues on inclines are not a lack of fitness. I did a really challenging indoor cycling training program this winter, so I knew I was VERY fit this spring - but on hills I started to feel like a scuba diver who's oxygen tank had been turned off. I even had to cut short a group ride and be escorted slowly back to the car (and really I should have had them go get a car, 'cause I had spots before my eyes sometimes on the way back.) I had already started an extensive allergy test regimen, and soon discovered that I am "moderately" allergic to mold & tree pollen. No sign of asthma, in fact the guy who ran the pulmonary function test said I hit a new high for their machine! So the savvy allergy lab guys and I figured out that the allergy + my extreme outdoor exercise = asthma-like attack. I started immunotherapy shots that will hopefully improve the sensitivities to mold & pollen next season, but I did a little research and found out how common this is with cyclists, and I pressed my doctor a little to let me try the inhaler. (she wanted me to wait for the long-term fix, but she doesn't exercise and I don't think she understands how hard we work to attain a fitness level, and how awful it is to feel it slipping away.) The inhaler works well, no side effects, but I can find the bottom third of my lungs again! By the way, I'm 47. As I understand it, I might have had this issue my whole life, but never stressed my system enough to discover it.

[TexasLuckyDog]

I had a lot of these same issues. I actually got nervous about having a possbile heart issue so I had my heart checked out (it was fine).

I was put on Singulair for allergies even though it is an asthma med. It's the difference between night and day in my breathing improvement so I guess it was all pollen induced airway irritation.

[Bklynmom]

After a week and a half on Advair, SIngular, Zertec and Nasonex, and a bike fit, the asthma is gone. I have a bit of a cough after the ride but this seems normal.

The meds helped, but I think having my bike fit by a pro fitter here in Brooklyn made a big difference too. He felt I was really crunched up on the bike and unable to breathe properly. He raised my seat (abut 4 CM), adjusted my cleats and gave me a slightly longer stem - now i can breathe comfortably. And, now I get it when people say your pedals should feel like your floating.

Thanks to all for the helpful advice!

Lisa