I thought somebody here might be able to enlighten me on the physiology behind this phenomena. On long (3+ hours), hard rides I often have problems taking in deep breaths after a couple of hours. If I do take a deep breath, I end up coughing. It does seem to be more common on my tri bike, so I assume that bending over in the aero position exacerbates the condition. I was riding with my brother this weekend and he had exactly the same problem, so it is not just me. Seems that humidity also plays a role in making it worse. I used to have similar problems after intense track and XC races in college, so it is not just riding, but related to hard efforts. Anyone know the physiological basis for this? Would riding with less drop between the seat and the aerobars alleviate the symptoms?
I don’t know if this helps but your symptoms sound like what I was experiencing a few years ago. It turns out I have exercise induced asthma. It’s nothing horrible and hasn’t slowed me down but something you might want to check out.
If the problem occurred during shorter more intense activity I would consider exercised induced asthma. But were it occurs on longer rides I do not believe this to be the case. From the info I think what may be occuring is that part of your lungs are not being ventilated in the aero position causing that part of the lung to close down (this can occur in as little time as an hour and it is prevented by us yawning which re-opens a closed portion of the lung). Then when you take a deep breath you re-inflate that part of the lung. The cough is caused due to the fact that trapped mucous from the closed down portion is moved around and the lung naturally tries to get it out of there and coughs. I would try sitting up an a periodically while riding and taking several deep breaths.
Yeah, the symptoms sound like exercise induced asthma, except for the fact that I can run an all-out 800 or bike a 40K TT and have no problems of this particular nature.
From what you have told us, it would seem a trip to an Internist or pulmonary specialist would be a waste of time and money. Why try to really find out what the problem is when you can use SlowTwitch and save money. Maybe even permit something that is relatively insignificant and treatable if dealt with early become a major issue for lack of response to it and perhaps it can have permanent impact on your performance, i.e., permanent diminished capacity.
Sounds like your on the right track.
Now if saving money drives you, your possible failure to get properly fit for your riding position, think of the money you save by doing it yourself, could result in such a low position on your aerobars that you are actually impairing your respiratiory function and ultimately your performance. A proper fit would examine this issue, among others, to optimize your breathing, sustained power output and drag. For many, this is the least expensive and greatest time shaving “aero” improvement they ever purchase.
Okay…I’ll come clean now. This is what screwed me at IMAZ. 1/3 into the bike, I couldn’t breathe…when I did, I coughed b/c of the pain and shortness of air, then frequently puked. It felt like open heart surgery during each breath and pretty much felt like I was operating on 25% lung capacity. Considering I was on a comfortable 5:20ish pace for the 1st 3rd, I watched my HR keep drop to 125 the 2nd lap and 98 the 3rd lap. Nice workout, huh? I trickled into the med tent at 6:00ish.
I got diagnosed with everything under the sun…exercised induced asthma, anemia and allergies. Against the orders, I went for the run…in which after my HR got to 115, I couldn’t breathe/coughed and felt downright shitty. It was a long day. A finish, but no glory.
Afterwards, I asked every doc I knew and read every article I could find.
The next weekend, I went for a ride and had similiar (not as intense) symptoms. It literally drove me nuts as this has happend maybe 2x in the past (not as intense).
Long story, short…I’m chalking it up to allergies. There was record pollutants in the air at AZ and was the following weekend on my ride at home. I chatted with Joe B, at it appeared the same happend to him. I’ve never really claimed to have bad allergies, but perhaps I’m naive.
Remedy? Not too many. I could wear a mask (a very good idea, but look like a dork). Breathe more through my nose (to warm the air). Take medicine (which then creates totally separate issues).
So, high allergies on race day is like putting kryponite next to Superman. I’ve found my weakness…
Everyone’s asthma is a little different, but to me it sounds like you have some of the classic symptoms. It doesn’t hurt to get it checked out the tests aren’t bad. BTW allergies and asthma are very closely related. You might be able to take care of one by taking care of the other.
I get something similar after very long, easy rides (4-5+ hours). I’d describe it as more of a tickling feeling in my lungs when I breathe in very deeply. Never really thought much about it - just figured it was my lungs being tired.