sore lungs

[Kathi]

Yes, for years I thought I was undertrained so I thought it was normal. Turns out I had exercised induced asthma. I've probably had it all my life and no one recognized it. Advair and using my rescue inhaler before exercise controls it.

I also have adult onset asthma although I've never smoked.

[ny biker]

I also have problems with asthma, mostly when riding up steep hills. I find it's best to shift into the easiest gear and pedal more slowly. Even if it means I'm only going 4 mph up the hill. Also, stay calm. An asthma attack can be scary, especially if you don't know what's happening, but panicking just makes it worse.

I find that as my fitness improves over the course of the summer, the asthma symptoms are not as bad. Some hills require a hit of Albuterol in June but not in August.

Bad air quality can make things worse, so pay attention to that part of the weather forecast. I also find that cold air makes it hurt to breathe, so I don't do much riding outdoors in winter. Brisk walks in the cold are okay for me, though.

I use a daily inhaler (Pulmicort) and carry a rescue inhaler (Albuterol) with me. I'm lucky in that I don't need the Albuteral often. However to use it properly you have to inhale deeply and then hold your breath for 10 seconds, which is really hard if you've just ridden up a steep hill and your heart rate is way up. So it's better to pre-treat if you're doing a hilly ride.

[rose]

I find that too with the cold air, especially if I have gone for a walk/jog. I can feel the pain in my lungs for the next day or two. It is nice to know that I'm not the only one feeling this you've all been very helpful

[Owlie]

I find that too with the cold air, especially if I have gone for a walk/jog. I can feel the pain in my lungs for the next day or two. It is nice to know that I'm not the only one feeling this you've all been very helpful

The boyfriend has allergy-induced asthma and lives in a town with crappy air quality. He's got his inhaler with him on all rides. Cold air can also be a trigger for him. Go talk to your doc!