Hard to breathe whilst climbing

bonkstrong

Out of breath whilst climbing isn't a new feeling to anyone. But I've noticed more and more that whilst climbing it starts to get harder to breath. It feels like my throat closes up if I try to take a deep breath and not only is it stopping much needed oxygen uptake, it is sometimes quite scary! It started last summer whilst out on a fixie ride and has started happening again now that I'm back on the bike.

I never manage to get to the "lungs burning" level of effort because my throat closes up, is this a familiar thing for anyone or am I alone in my bike trying to kill me in this way?

wheezee

Could be the onset of asthma? Might be worth a visit to the doc.

bonkstrong

Eeek... really? I didn't think it could just appear. I'm 28 now and never had anything like it before... (

wheezee

I was in my late thirties, or possibly early forties when it turned up. No prior, no obvious reason.

In my case it's easily managed with regular puffs from inhalers, but it can be very dangerous. There's no harm in finding out.

Or maybe you just have your scarf too tight? :P

cougie

You don't think you're anaemic do you ? Symptoms sound similar to working out after giving blood.

Zoomer37

If its not a medical thing then perhaps you just need to work on a breathing technique to get the air in and out better and to slow it down so you can find a rhythm

CakeLovinBeast

Is it an actual throat-closing feeling, or is it more of a restricted feeling on account of a build-up of thick spit?

bonkstrong

CakeLovinBeast wrote:

Is it an actual throat-closing feeling, or is it more of a restricted feeling on account of a build-up of thick spit?

Throat closing. First time it happened it was a lovely summers day and I was out on a fixie ride. After about 35 miles it suddenly became very hard to take a deep breath after a long climb. If I tried to take a long deep breath my throat felt like it was closing up and there was a rather odd sensation, almost like a dull very mild pain/discomfort. I was forced to take lots of little shallow breaths and I was fine. It also felt a bit like my lungs had shrunk to the size of grapefuits and I just couldn't get anymore air in. Now that I'm back on the bike it seems to be happening a bit more regularly, I thought it was just the cold air but then I remembered it happened it was the same thing that happened in 25c weather so thought there might be more too it.

Doctors appointment booked for Monday so I should know a bit more

Slack

If it's asthma induced, then it would be accompanied by coughing and tightness in the upper chest.

Kolraz

It sounds to me like exercise induced asthma. I had a very similar experience when I took up competitive running a couple of years ago. The problem would only start if I was doing very hard efforts or during a race, and was never a problem during my easier runs. It seems as the problem is only occurring when you are climbing that harder efforts are triggering it off for you as well.

I too went to the doctors, although they found absolutely no signs of asthma. However, as it is exercise induced asthma the test seemed rather pointless to me, carried out under resting conditions. I wouldn't expect the doctors to find any signs of asthma if their tests are done under resting conditions like mine.

If you find yourself taking shallow high breaths into the chest, you can alleviate the problem somewhat from practising deep breathing exercises where you breath deeper into your diaphragm. There are a number of websites online that go into some detail on the matter.

Hope this helps you and don't be alarmed, some of the best athletes in the world have had exercise induced asthma (Haile Gebrselassie)

cyco2

This I believe to be a difficult problem to solve on this forum. Even if you go to a GP they may help but I would believe all they need to say to solve your problem is...' if this happens when riding up hill then stay on the flat' . So, if they cannot help in any other way because they have done all they can under a NHS directive then you'll have to go private. It is amazing how paying money can get a result. You could try telling the GP that when you have to run for the bus etc. your throat tightens up. But what ever you do, do not say it happens when your out enjoying yourself. This about keeping you fit to work not play.

wheezee

No idea how other doctors work, but mine just put me straight onto inhalers, to see if they helped.

They did. Therefore, according to them that know more than me, I suffer from asthma.

cyco2

I read that the OP'er throat is a problem not the lungs. So, how can it be asthma ?

Unfortunately I have had several experiences with Doctors who did not get it right at my expense. They are very lucky to be able to get spoken to by their patience, unlike a Vets patience.

wheezee

As you said yourself, it can't be solved here. That's why he's heading off to the Quack.

They don't always get it right, but I don't know of a better option. And cheaper than the vet.

cyco2

Bonkstrong, you have our sympathies I'm sure. Would be good if you get back on here with a diagnosis.

Weezee, couldn't have put it better myself.

bonkstrong

***UPDATE***

If I could have a headline for the update it would be "Doctor scores 10/10 in recent visit - restored my faith in NHS"

Just got back from the doctors - he did the normal tests, ears, temperature and pulse. Checked my breathing on both sides and everything seemed fine. However, I've been given an inhailer to try next time it happens, although he thinks it unlikely it will help. He's given me an appointment card for the hospital to get a chest x-ray done so that's where i'm going now - he spoke to a few other doctors online and they were equally stumped so it looks like it could be a while before we find any answers. But at least they're on the case.

I thought my "condition" would be met with advice of stop riding so hard but that was not the case. The doctor really was great, he spent a long time discussing things and going through various scenarios. I didn't expect to be fixed today, but I really didn't expect the doctor to come across like he actually cared and empathised with the problem that I was having. Where can I email my feedback on the doctor, if only all NHS doctors were as good I'm sure peoples opinion of the NHS would differ dramatically.

wheezee

he spoke to a few other doctors online

Should have come here! We'd have put him right.

fastandfurry

BONKSTRONG wrote:

***UPDATE***
I thought my "condition" would be met with advice of stop riding so hard but that was not the case. The doctor really was great, he spent a long time discussing things and going through various scenarios. I didn't expect to be fixed today, but I really didn't expect the doctor to come across like he actually cared and empathised with the problem that I was having. Where can I email my feedback on the doctor, if only all NHS doctors were as good I'm sure peoples opinion of the NHS would differ dramatically.

Your symptoms sound broadly similar to mine, albeit less severe. Usually the symptoms were quite mild but there were a few occasions where I reached terminal stage asthma just after (rowing) races (i.e. your lung muscles can't cope with the load of forcing air in and out and start to cramp - this is what kills asthmatics, although for me as soon as I stopped exercising and my oxygen load was lower I started to recover quite quickly) - mostly I thought I was just being a pussy as I didn't respond in a conventional asthmatic way in the doctors tests. I was asked if I could be unfit - I said no (I was training 15 hours/week for rowing!) but they sent me off for a fitness test anyway (in which I came out as elite level fitness, unsurprisingly..).

Eventually they just caved in and gave me the strongest sustainable meds (montelukast 10mg and symbicort 400/12) and I generally have no problems beyond a bit of wheeziness/tightness during intense exercise and occasionally having to be treated for chest infections (the consequences of these are worse for asthmatics). I haven't had any 'nearly dieing' incidents while taking the meds, and I certainly notice I get worse when I haven't taken them for a few days; although my lung function is still worse than others I race against (on the bike) - judging from my breathing noises!

As someone else said, a deep chesty cough post exercise is characteristic of asthma.

Usual advice to asthmatics is to do as much exercise as you feel able to do as this reduces your overall mortality risk (stronger lung muscles, so when you do have an attack it is less of a problem).

Hope you get a resolution such that you feel able to push your limits - it might be that as you're getting fitter, the asthma is becoming a limiting factor whereas before this it was you muscles/other aspects of lung function.

Muffintop

fastandfurry wrote:

BONKSTRONG wrote:

***UPDATE***
I thought my "condition" would be met with advice of stop riding so hard but that was not the case. The doctor really was great, he spent a long time discussing things and going through various scenarios. I didn't expect to be fixed today, but I really didn't expect the doctor to come across like he actually cared and empathised with the problem that I was having. Where can I email my feedback on the doctor, if only all NHS doctors were as good I'm sure peoples opinion of the NHS would differ dramatically.

Your symptoms sound broadly similar to mine, albeit less severe. Usually the symptoms were quite mild but there were a few occasions where I reached terminal stage asthma just after (rowing) races (i.e. your lung muscles can't cope with the load of forcing air in and out and start to cramp - this is what kills asthmatics, although for me as soon as I stopped exercising and my oxygen load was lower I started to recover quite quickly) - mostly I thought I was just being a pussy as I didn't respond in a conventional asthmatic way in the doctors tests. I was asked if I could be unfit - I said no (I was training 15 hours/week for rowing!) but they sent me off for a fitness test anyway (in which I came out as elite level fitness, unsurprisingly..).

Eventually they just caved in and gave me the strongest sustainable meds (montelukast 10mg and symbicort 400/12) and I generally have no problems beyond a bit of wheeziness/tightness during intense exercise and occasionally having to be treated for chest infections (the consequences of these are worse for asthmatics). I haven't had any 'nearly dieing' incidents while taking the meds, and I certainly notice I get worse when I haven't taken them for a few days; although my lung function is still worse than others I race against (on the bike) - judging from my breathing noises!

As someone else said, a deep chesty cough post exercise is characteristic of asthma.

Usual advice to asthmatics is to do as much exercise as you feel able to do as this reduces your overall mortality risk (stronger lung muscles, so when you do have an attack it is less of a problem).

Hope you get a resolution such that you feel able to push your limits - it might be that as you're getting fitter, the asthma is becoming a limiting factor whereas before this it was you muscles/other aspects of lung function.

Hayfever/Alergies any one? It's not always accompanied by snotteryness and watery eyes, and doesn't always happen during spring/summer time.

Mx

bonkstrong

Well, I'm back from the hospital. The X-Ray machine had broken down so I'll have to go back another day... <sigh>

wheezee

Rather more typical of my experiences with the NHS.

fastandfurry

Muffintop wrote:

Hayfever/Alergies any one? It's not always accompanied by snotteryness and watery eyes, and doesn't always happen during spring/summer time.

Mx

Definitely possible...my asthma is linked to pollen and tends to be particularly bad round about this time of year: march/april/may.

cyco2

Bs..I am really pleased that you have a Doctor that was prepared to help out. My cynical attitude of Doctors was originally fostered by my induced asthma experience. I told him that I had a cough, just that. His diagnosis was 'Lots of people have coughs'. Absolutely no questions about why. So, I booked with another Doctor in the group practice and was given an inhaler to use. This proved to be the answer. I did go on to a once-a-day inhaler after a further consultation.
This singular attitude of some Doctors can be annoying but luckily I am not afraid to go in there all guns blazing. They have to be aware that upsetting their patience is their fault not the patient's.
Now a days with so many people trying to keep fit and healthy Doctors need to approach their patience problems Holistically which I believe was the case with your Doctor Bs.

bonkstrong

cyco2 wrote:

Bs..I am really pleased that you have a Doctor that was prepared to help out. My cynical attitude of Doctors was originally fostered by my induced asthma experience. I told him that I had a cough, just that. His diagnosis was 'Lots of people have coughs'. Absolutely no questions about why. So, I booked with another Doctor in the group practice and was given an inhaler to use. This proved to be the answer. I did go on to a once-a-day inhaler after a further consultation.
This singular attitude of some Doctors can be annoying but luckily I am not afraid to go in there all guns blazing. They have to be aware that upsetting their patience is their fault not the patient's.
Now a days with so many people trying to keep fit and healthy Doctors need to approach their patience problems Holistically which I believe was the case with your Doctor Bs.

He phoned me today to book say I was booked in for a spirometer test and my x-ray is on Friday morning. I'm really impressed by this guy, really really impressed!!

I don't bother going to the doctors 99/100 because it's always a viral infection. In his words, "you'd know if it was bacterial" and upon reflection he's right. Ok having a virus makes you feel like death but it's not in the same league as chest infections and stomach bugs etc. Apart from having to wait a fortnight for the spirometer test, but that's not his fault, I'm really pleased with how my mystery symptoms are being investigated. He's scoring 10/10 so far!

joshr96

Could be the start of a tad of asthma. I had a slight bit of asthma as a child and I sometimes have a little bit of what you feel now. I might need to get a check up too.

cyco2

Bs...A spirometer test may not be what is wanted for you. It may identify asthma because its a lunge function test. But for a test like that to work it needs to be a dynamic (active) test as well. Your lung function is better than most because you exercise so it will show up good. But if your asthma is induced the test is useless. Also, you have a throat problem which when tested in the surgery will not show up either. Unless its a dynamic test. I would suggest you call the Doc. back and ask what the test entails. I have a spirometer, chemists might have them, to do the odd test with and I am amazed your doctor hasn't got one.
A quick way to find out if it's induced asthma is to borrow an Ventolin inhaler, they are harmless, and have a go with it when you are gulping. I have several of them part used and ride with one on a bit of string hanging round my neck when I am riding.

bonkstrong

cyco2 wrote:

Bs...A spirometer test may not be what is wanted for you. It may identify asthma because its a lunge function test. But for a test like that to work it needs to be a dynamic (active) test as well. Your lung function is better than most because you exercise so it will show up good. But if your asthma is induced the test is useless. Also, you have a throat problem which when tested in the surgery will not show up either. Unless its a dynamic test. I would suggest you call the Doc. back and ask what the test entails. I have a spirometer, chemists might have them, to do the odd test with and I am amazed your doctor hasn't got one.
A quick way to find out if it's induced asthma is to borrow an Ventolin inhaler, they are harmless, and have a go with it when you are gulping. I have several of them part used and ride with one on a bit of string hanging round my neck when I am riding.

He's given me a salbutamol inhaler to take out with me next time I go riding, all I have to do to make it happen is to go hard up a hill so that's what I intend to do. He did say take it just in case to see if it helps but in the name of science I'll be going all out to test it

The Spirometer test is being used to look for any symptoms at a normal level of exertion, ones I wouldn't notice day to day but are being exacerbated by the demand put on them during exercise (or something like that...)

cyco2

QED

Heffen

I know the thread is old but did just remember what a Female former MTB star ( Julie Furtado) said once, " some people hold their Breath while climbing at some points and some ppl start breath hard in the climb.
My tip is to start breath hard just before the climb "
Thats working fine for me

Anne S.

Hi
I have experienced exactly the same thing. It's horrible and feels like my throat is closing off. It only happens on hard climbs and does not have an accompanying cough. Haven't bothered to see the GP, just thought it was a lack of fitness....

bikergirl17

not unusual for late onset asthma -- in 20s myself, exacerbated by exercise, esp in cold weather. it was clear with a spirometer, however.

used an inhaler for awhile, but now don't bother. i do tend to have what feels like cardiac arrest on real steep climbs, but attribute it to panic attacks (scared i will turtle, which usually ends in broken bones!).