Experiencing Coughing Fits and Throat Irritation During Exercise
After a recent shopping trip where I had to lift some weighty items, I returned home only to be plagued by persistent coughing fits. My throat feels quite scratchy, and I find myself feeling uncomfortably warm. This reaction occurs every time I engage in physical activity. I haven't sought any medication for it, nor have I consulted with my physician about these symptoms. In the past, I would trek back to my residence from the bottom of the hill, and upon arriving, I often ended up rushing to the kitchen, feeling utterly breathless. I would be flushed and shaky, sometimes even resorting to opening the freezer to cool down and ease my breathing. I avoided discussing this with my doctor, largely due to my weight of over 16 stone, fearing they would suggest I simply need to shed pounds. But I am left wondering: if I struggle with such symptoms during exercise, how can I effectively lose weight? Is it possible that I have exercise-induced asthma? My throat frequently feels itchy, and on occasions, it seems as if there’s a heavy weight pressing on my chest. Lately, I've noticed these symptoms arise even when I’m moving at a moderate pace or not exerting myself too much, which is incredibly frustrating. There are times I also feel slightly dizzy, as if I’m not getting sufficient oxygen during these episodes.
Answers (1)
12/6/2025, 8:40:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your symptoms could suggest exercise-induced asthma or another respiratory issue, especially since they arise during physical activity. Addressing your concerns about weight loss and exercise is essential while managing your symptoms.
Explanation: Given your description of coughing fits, throat irritation, and feeling breathless after physical activity, it’s possible you may be experiencing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, commonly known as exercise-induced asthma. This can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and even dizziness during or after exercise. The warmth you feel could relate to your physical exertion and the body’s response to exercise.
Your past experiences of being breathless and flushed after exertion further suggest that your respiratory system may be struggling during activities. This is not solely due to your weight; it is important to acknowledge that various factors, including environmental triggers, allergies, and respiratory health, can contribute to these symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of when these symptoms occur, including the type and intensity of activities, your environment (temperature, humidity), and any other symptoms (like dizziness or chest heaviness). This diary can be very helpful later.
-
Hydration and Throat Care: Ensure you are well-hydrated before and after exercise. Staying hydrated can help soothe throat irritation. Consider using throat lozenges if you experience itching before or after exercise.
-
Warm-Up Routine: Start with a gentle warm-up before engaging in any more strenuous exercise. Gradually increasing your activity can help your body adjust and may reduce your coughing and breathlessness.
-
Controlled Exercise Environment: Try exercising in a controlled environment where you can manage temperature and allergens (like pollen). Indoor workouts may be a good step initially.
-
Consider Potential Triggers: Pay attention to potential environmental triggers that might exacerbate your symptoms (like cold air or pollutants).
-
Breathing Technique: Consider practicing controlled breathing techniques, such as abdominal breathing, to help ease your respiratory symptoms during exercise.
Lastly, I strongly encourage you to discuss these symptoms and concerns with your physician. They can help you explore a proper diagnosis and provide potential treatments, including medications if exercise-induced asthma is confirmed. It's important to prioritize your health and find a safe way to manage these symptoms while working towards your weight loss goals.
Related Questions
Mother's Breathing Difficulties After Tree Dust Encounter on Cruise
My mother, a 53-year-old woman living in Australia without known health issues but with a 25-year history of heavy smoking, recently embarked on a cruise through the Pacific islands. During a guided tour on one of the islands, the tour guide struck a tree to convey traditional knowledge, which caused dust to billow into the air, and my mother inadvertently inhaled it. She described the sensation of the dust entering her throat and lungs, and shortly after, she developed severe cold-like symptoms and a cough that became so intense it made breathing difficult. Now, less than a week back from the trip, she's still battling a persistent and harsh cough. This evening, while attempting to vacuum, she mentioned having trouble breathing. Despite my concerns, her stubborn nature means she plans to wait a week before consulting a doctor—but I believe immediate action is necessary. Smoking approximately 15 cigarettes daily, she has struggled with a chronic smoker's cough for several years; however, the intensity of her current cough is unprecedented. During our phone conversation, she could not speak for more than 10 seconds without breaking into coughs. I worry that she might have contracted a respiratory infection or pneumonia. Her partner caught a milder version of her cold and has since recovered, leaving her condition looking increasingly severe. Regrettably, I cannot recall the name of the island or the specific tree involved in this incident. Given the alarming symptoms, does this seem indicative of a respiratory infection or pneumonia? For years, I have fretted over the possibilities of emphysema and lung cancer, but she is resistant to seeking medical help, fearing that it would lead to advice about quitting smoking—something she reacts to like a rebellious teenager. We are also trying to persuade her partner to urge her to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Struggling with Frequent Respiratory Infections
Hello! Since 2020, I have been falling ill with one of four conditions: COVID-19, pneumonia, bronchitis, or tonsillitis, experiencing two bouts of pneumonia in just the last half year. Throughout my life, I have managed asthma while playing sports at a collegiate level, seldom relying on my inhaler. Generally, I consider myself to be in good health. At the age of 28, as a woman, I am quite active and not prone to frequent illness. However, since the wildfires in Los Angeles, I feel like I'm becoming ill more frequently. I consulted with a pulmonologist last December who suggested a CAT scan, which ultimately revealed no significant abnormalities. I also have routine lab work done every six months, and those results do not indicate any issues either. At this point, I find myself feeling increasingly frustrated and uncertain about what steps to take next. If anyone has thoughts, guidance, or recommendations, I would greatly appreciate your input!
Concerns About My Brother's Nighttime Breathing Issues
My 26-year-old brother has been struggling with a cold for the last three weeks, but recently, he's been experiencing alarming episodes while sleeping. For the past week, he has repeatedly awoken during the night, gasping for breath for periods of about three to five minutes, as if his throat is nearly shut, leaving him on the brink of fainting. I've been sleeping in the adjacent room and each time it happens, it sends me into a panic. Just a little while ago, he woke up intensely gasping for air, taking an exhausting three minutes to recover his breathing. He seems to be trying to clear his throat of something stuck, but with no success. He has visited urgent care four times, and an x-ray of his lungs revealed no signs of pneumonia. While we suspect he may be dealing with a respiratory infection, the doctors have not confirmed this diagnosis. They have, however, provided him with an inhaler and prescribed medication to alleviate his cold symptoms. To give you some context, my brother is 6 feet tall and weighs 155 pounds, a drop from 165 just last week. He is of Caucasian descent, does not smoke cigarettes, is generally healthy and athletic, and only uses marijuana occasionally. He is not on any long-term medications, but he has received a prescription for his cold, which he has almost recovered from. Have any of you encountered similar symptoms before?
Concern Over Sudden Loss of Smell and Taste Due to Cold Symptoms
Greetings! My wife, who is 30 years old, has unexpectedly lost her sense of smell and taste. She currently has a cold accompanied by frequent sneezing. Earlier today, she was dealing with a stuffy and congested nose; however, her nasal passages now feel clearer. On top of that, she has been experiencing chills and her throat feels quite scratchy. In terms of treatment, she has taken acetaminophen along with some throat lozenges to help alleviate her symptoms. Is this a common occurrence? I find myself quite concerned. Thanks for your assistance!
Herniated Disc: Will My Foot Sensation Return?
For over a year, I've been struggling with back problems that seemed to alternate between improving and flaring up. Initially, my condition was attributed to either irritated sciatica or inflammation, and I managed it with courses of oral steroids and occasional injections. In early December 2025, I experienced another setback, this time affecting the right side of my lower back. I began to notice a tingling and numb sensation in my right foot. The pain intensified to a level 9, prompting me to get an MRI. It took some time for the results to be processed, but I received them in the first week of January and was referred to an orthopedic specialist. During my consultation, the physician noted that I had significant disc protrusion, which was linked to genetic factors rather than a result of any injury. Consequently, he suggested that physical therapy might not bring any benefit. My only viable option presented was a pain management injection. While there was a possibility for surgical intervention, my current weight did not meet the necessary criteria for the procedure. I have since started a diet and have lost 20 pounds, yet I remain far from the required weight for surgery. As I awaited the pain management appointment, my discomfort escalated, despite my avoidance of any strenuous activities. The numbness and tingling sensations have now spread down to just below my knee, making it exceedingly difficult to walk or stand for extended periods. It has been a week since I had the pain block procedure. While the pain has not completely dissipated, it is at least more bearable. However, my mobility remains challenging, and I've found myself tripping more often than before. I am aware that the pain relief from the block is likely temporary, and I worry about the possibility of the pain returning. I can’t help but ask: will I ever feel normal again? At just 22 years old, my condition has hindered my ability to work, and I am desperate for solutions or answers to my predicament. Thank you for your time. If additional information is needed, feel free to ask me.