Exercise Induced Asthma & Allergies

[Cycling Sister]

Yeah, this is asthma.

The biggest trigger for me is riding up steep hills. But I do see variations in symptoms due to weather (cold air) and pollen. Last winter and spring I had problems 24x7 due to concrete dust in the air at work, while they were renovating the parking lot and garage. I'm still not fully recovered from it.

Thank you for sharing. Some people that I know make me feel like I just need to toughen up and climb more hills. But, they don't understand what it's like to not be able to breath and the fear and internal panic I get when it happens. I hope you fully recover soon!!

[bmccasland]

Thank you for sharing. Some people that I know make me feel like I just need to toughen up and climb more hills. But, they don't understand what it's like to not be able to breath and the fear and internal panic I get when it happens. I hope you fully recover soon!!

Welcome to the EIA club. I managed to "train" the folks I rode with when I lived in another city and was riding regularily. They got to know the sound of my breathing, or not, and when I was in trouble. They likened my breathing to a freight train. There will be better days and worse days, relative temperature and humidity will make a difference. Hot muggy days when the air feels "heavy" equals a rough day for me. I admit to being a cold weather weenie, so can't really tell you how I breath when it's cooler than 55F.

[Crankin]

My asthma has also come and gone. It's allergy induced, and I also can't remember the last time I took my inhaler. However, when I started riding, I would take it before a ride, if it was very hot and humid. I have built up my tolerance for that, a great deal. If I am already having a bad time with allergies, or I am sick, I rest instead of riding, or I take a walk. I have learned the hard way when not to work through feeling sick, as in avoiding bronchitis or pneumonia.
Take your inhaler. I would hate to not be able to breathe while climbing.