Breathing problems after a ride...

[RoadRaven]

It sounds very similar to what I get in summer when I get hayfever anyways... I get hayfever/excercise induced asthma

Now that I'm aware of it, I know what to look for in myself.

[Surlygirl]

Sorry Pedal Wrench but I have to strongly disagree with you on the use of Primatene Mist. You can google dangers of Primatene Mist and deaths that may be attributed to using over the counter asthma medications. If you have asthma you need to see a pulmonary specialist and get the right medication and correct dosage. In most cases preventing an asthma attack is much better than trying to stop one already in progress. Asthma can be life threatening!

[Pedal Wench]

Yikes - sorry, SurlyGirl! I didn't know that it was bad stuff - I've only used it twice, in an emergency asthma situation (one time at the top of Mt. Elbert, with no choice but to hike down, and the other halfway up from the bottom of the Grand Canyon, with no choice but to hike up!) I had forgotten my albuterol both times, and my BF had the Primatene in our first aid kit. They helped, but nothing like the real meds do. I thought if she was having real asthma symptoms it might help until she could get to a real doctor for a diagnosis. Didn't know. I'll do my homework, and remove the bad stuff from our first aid kits!

I love this board - I'm always learning so much!

[mary9761]

I also have asthma and that's what it sounds like to me. I would see a doctor to be sure though. There are many triggers, exercise, allergens, etc. I have all of them. Mine was adult onset also as I never had asthma (that I'm aware of) as a child. I carry my inhaler with me at all times! I also let ride leaders etc be aware that I am asthmatic and have medication with me. Hot days are a REALLY bad time for me. Humidity is rough as well and here in Indiana we usually have BOTH during the summer.
Good luck and keep us updated to what you find out. If you do in fact have asthma, you'll likely be given an albuterol inhaler (rescue inhaler) and some sort of inhaled steroidal preventative medication.

[Surlygirl]

Pedal Wench, if you can, have your doctor write you out a perscription for two albuterols at once. I tell them I like having one in my purse and I leave one in my bike bag that I never take out. You could put your spare in your emergency kit so you always have one with you. I would just hate to have you get into trouble.