Shortness of breath

[Owlie]

I'm 60 years and have been riding seriously for the last 2.5 years. But I was wondering about my breathing. I'm not kidding but 10 minutes into the ride I am huffing and puffing. Even though I AM huffing I can still keep up with the group.

I also take spin classes twice a week (since January). I get short of breath in those, too, Sometimes I feel like I am huffing before I get to class.

I think I am real shallow breather. I've been practicing taking long breaths while I am at home. Maybe I just need to practice more. You will think this is very funny, I do. I started singing songs like Mary had a little lamb or Row, Row, your boat when I am riding. It seems to really help. LOL

I've seen the doctor and I had a stress test which didn't tell them anything because I coudn't get my heart rate up to 130. No matter that I do that most of the time when I am riding. They wanted to schedule some different ones but they are really expensive and I doubt they would find anything anyway.

It could be something as simple as a need to keep up with the aerobic exercise. It could also be exercise-induced asthma.

I get something that feels a lot like what I imagine exercise-induced asthma feels like-- plus a heart rate that doesn't match the level of exertion--if I don't eat well enough before a ride, especially carbs. (I've only noticed it on the trainer, but that's because I think I'm not as diligent at fueling as a I am for an outdoor ride.) However, I nth a pulmonary function test to make sure.

[marni]

over a couple of years I have managed to change my breathing pattern from shallow panting to regular deep breathing. For me it has been a combination of building cardio capacity,and general fitness and strength. I had asthma as a child so I was eventually going to get it checked out but then it got better. I still have a 20 minute warm up period while my heart wakes up whether I am riding or doing cross training, during which I pant and feel a little short of breath. Guess it takes this 64 year old that long to get the old ticker to pay attention.If I had to get my heart rate up above 130 for any extended time I would probably die of hyperventilation. On the other hand, I can run, or run at 120 bpm for a long long time, like almost indefinitely, and my resting heart rate is 45 so I am not distressed about not being able to make and sustain 130+.

Do get all of the possible asthma factors checked out along with a breathing test. And then perhaps take a serious look at gradually working your cardio rate up a bit .

Hope you get some answers soon.

[kajero]

Last night I did something kind of illegal. I "borrowed" my SO's prescription nebulizer which he doesn't use any more. I did the breathing thing for 25 minutes. It made a world a difference this morning at spin class. Although I was out of breath, it was nothing like before.

So today I went to a highly recommended nurse practitioner. I was so impresed that she is now my primary physician. She LISTENED to me and then had me do some kind of test where you breath into this little machine. It indicated I do have some lung constriction and there is small chance of asthma. She prescribed an inhaler. I can't wait to try it Thursday to see if it makes a difference.

Thank you all for all your wonderful insights and information. It's going to be very interesting to ride without having everyone ask me if I am all right because I am so short of breath!

[marni]

good news indeed, but cardio is always good so you don't become too dependent on the inhaler. The good news is that it will easier and better with a little snort before hand but you will eventually get so that you can go longer and longer between snorts.

marni

[ny biker]

Regular cardiovascular exercise will definitely help control the asthma over the long term. And the meds help you do the exercise.

Good luck!!

[Catrin]

Regular cardiovascular exercise will definitely help control the asthma over the long term. And the meds help you do the exercise.

Good luck!!

Yes - this I used to have major asthma problems and now I don't even take meds for it, ever. I have a rescue inhaler...somewhere

[emily_in_nc]

Yes - this I used to have major asthma problems and now I don't even take meds for it, ever. I have a rescue inhaler...somewhere

Ditto!