Does it happen to you that you go for a run and then start coughing? In most cases, it’s not something to worry about. However, the coughing could also be a sign of something more serious. So which one are you? And why do you cough when you go running?
Possible Causes
- Allergies: Seasonal allergies can be one of the main reasons behind this ”running cough.”In fact, the high intensity of pollen can cause cough, dry throat, sneezing and shortage of breath.
- Cold weather: If you are a fan of running outdoors, then it could be why! According to research, cold weather can ”a loss of heat, water, or both from your lungs, resulting in cough, wheezing, or feeling short of breath while exercising.”
- Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: While this remains a more serious reason, it’s not going to kill you. In simpler words, extreme physical activity can cause your airways temporarily to constrict, which can cause you to cough severely when exercising.
How to Prevent it?
- Switch to Indoor Running: when it’s cold outside, or during Spring when pollen is at its highest, running indoors can solve the coughing problem.
- Don’t Over-Push Yourself: In addition to the weather, make sure o stick to a training schedule that is suitable for you. above all, when you feel overwhelmed, take breaks and rest in between workouts.
- Don’t Smoke Before Running: Obviously, consuming tobacco does not only lead to incurable diseases, but it also affects your all your organs. In fact, smoking before or right after exercising is very harmful, as it stops oxygen from getting through to your chest and heart.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
If your cough doesn’t get any better with time, it’s always a good idea to see medical help. According to experts, if you start experiencing other symptoms such as fever, heart palpation or severe chest pain, go see a doctor urgently! However, if your coughing is only occasional and disappears right after your run is complete, then you should just consider the preventions above to be more comfortable.
Photos: Freepik.