Burning Lungs

samcrx3

I seem to have a problem with my lungs burning. Taking a deep breath in and out hurts. I have had asthma for most of my life and I have been hoping that cycling will improve my lungs. I'm on a preventer + long acting bronchodilator and I always take Ventolin and Intal Forte before ride, but the lung burning still happens. What is it?? How can I stop it from happening? I bought a face mask for winter to help warm the air that I breathe and I hope it will work because this is getting a bit frustrating
Thanks Sam

andrello

You should talk to a physician. If he/she tells you not to do the exercise then find another. But you should see a doctor. Be careful!

rockmuncher

I started getting a bad burning sensation at the top of my lungs in mid February this year. It turned out to be an upper respiratory tract infection which I'm still battling. I've been off the bike (again!) for the past week and I still can't shake it completely.

For you it could be related to:
your asthma,
your medication,
the way your are taking your medication (eg. taking reliever before your ride),
airborne pollution (eg. dust, pollen),
humidity (dry, cold air affects mouth-breathers badly),
or you might just be getting the dreaded lurgey.

Go with andrello's advice: see your doctor

willtsmith

I have cold weather/exertional asthma. Though, I only have it when I'm out of shape.

Anyway, I kinda get the same sensation sometimes after taking a big puff. It's accompanied by a little light headedness. Personally, I think it's from overdialation.

I dunno. It goes away after a while. I just remember that the better shape I'm in, the less asthma I have.

samcrx3

I think it might be where we live - cold dry air. Perhaps controlling my breathing during a ride might help. My GP knows about it - he's hoping as I get fitter, it will get better. One can only hope.
Sam

octagon

Just to note that you probably shouldn't use your short acting bronchodilator (ventolin) prophylactically. there has been some research to suggest this might actually worsen lung function, in the long run. Your doctor can advise you about alternative long-acting bronchodilators, like salmeterol, which may be more appropriate to use in this way.

samcrx3

I only use Ventolin before a ride otherwise I don't usually use it unless I need it. I regularly use a combination inhaled steroid/long acting bronchodilator - Seretide. Are you suggesting that it may be better that I don't take Ventolin before a ride because it may make things worse in the long run? Might be worth a try and just use the Intal Forte before the ride. Thanks, Sam.

HughMann

Speak to the Nurse at your medical practice. Ask about an asthma management plan review. Will possibly need to book a long appointment to go right through everything. This is what all those purple dragon thingies are about in Drs rooms and chemists.
Have you ever read the little piece of paper that comes with the medications. Bet you havent - 95% havent and there is lots of important info there.

Do you use an adult spacer for your ventolin or just spray paint the inside of your mouth with medication and swallow 80% of the dose! No good to the lungs if its in your stomach.
Do you use a peak flow meter and chart the results. They are about $20 and can be used to predict problems often.
Have you had your nasal passages checked over. If there is a problem there get it fixed - its worth it. Should breathe in through nose especially in cold as it takes the chill of the air. Shove a couple of folded pages of newspaper down the front of your jumper, wrap a scarf around your face or get a balaclava from Disposals Shop

lived and worked outside in Canberra for 15 years and the only time I suffered what you describe was when I had a chest infection.

Hope you find an answer soon. Dont blame you for being frustrated.

Cheers
Hugh

samcrx3

Thanks for your help here. I'm pretty sure I'm doing all the right things. I use a breath a tech spacer and have a plan etc. I even see a repiratory physician. Perhaps controlled breathing during the ride may help?? I bought a windproof face mask for when it gets really cold.
Regards, Sam

willtsmith

A "coldup" may be what your lungs need. A VERY low intensity workout to acclimate to cold conditions. THEN, ramp up the workout.

colt59

I had that same sensation a couple of years ago, and I, too suffer from asthma. Turned out, however, that the burning lungs were a symptom of a coronary artery blockage. Make sure your doctor checks this possibility.
Take care, and good luck.

HughMann

If you are unsure of anything go back for a review. Didnt you get a written Plan, its usual.

AFIK Breath A Tech spacers are all small. Good for children but the "adult" size is not very big.
The A&H spacer has a volume of about 1 litre and is much more effective. Its made of 2 conical pieces that pull apart for easy cleaning. The Breath A Tech is fine for travelling but for home use the larger size is more effective.

Of course the obvious fix is dont ride so hard. Take it easy and stay in the comfort zone during the cold weather. Have you investigated - link - Buteyko Method. Might be something interesting there.

Dont know about controlled breathing. Doesnt work for me for hill climbing.

Cheers
Hugh

samcrx3

Is the larger one called a volumatic? It may be worth a try. My asthma has really become a problem since we came to Bathurst. I have even had a broncoscopy to find out what is going on in my lungs - they are just inflamed with plugs of thick mucus. Thinking I might try Lyprinol or other natural remedy on top of my usual medication.
I did a ride the other day and decided to start off slow to warm up and then pick up the pace. It seemed to help and managed to keep a good pace even though there was a fierce headwind, average speed 20.5km/hr. I may have to avoid the early morning rides I think, it can be up to -5 in the early mornings. The cycling club here does rides on Saturday afternoons in winter to avoid the cold mornings, so I seriously considering trying the racing club because of the better time. I love riding too much to give up, it gives me so much excitiment and pleasure. I feel on such a high after riding, it feels really invigorating.
Thanks Sam

youm0nt

i am wondering,it is normal for your lungs to "burn" during hard efforts?my lungs burn during hard stuff like intervals but i am fine after the workout.