Cough after exercise? this is the cause

Exercise can sometimes have unwanted effects. In some people, this activity can even trigger coughing. Coughing after exercise is actually quite common, especially if you enjoy doing cardio exercises like jogging or undergo a fairly strenuous exercise routine.

Even so, it does not mean that this problem can be ignored. Cough after exercising can be caused by various factors. Some experience it due to exercising too hard, but some are indicative of certain health problems. This health problem must be watched out for.

Causes of cough after exercise

It's normal for you to occasionally experience shortness of breath and cough after strenuous exercise. However, if you continue to experience this condition every time you exercise, here are a variety of factors that may be the cause.

1. Exercise-induced narrowing of the airways

If the cough is not caused by illness, it is most likely a narrowing of the airways. This condition was formerly known as exercise-induced asthma. However, the term airway narrowing is now more appropriate because exercise does not always trigger asthma.

The airways may narrow during exercise or afterward. This condition usually lasts 10-15 minutes, but can also last up to 60 minutes if left untreated. Apart from coughing after exercise, you can also experience symptoms such as:

• hard to breathe
• wheezing breath
• chest pain or pressure
• fatigue while exercising
• decreased sports performance

Anyone can experience exercise-induced narrowing of their airways, even experienced athletes. The exact cause is unknown, but people who have this condition may also experience inflammation of their airways.

2. Cold air

When exercising in the rainy season or cold weather, cold, dry air will enter the lungs. The entry of cold air deprives this organ of the warm temperature and moisture it needs to function normally.

Cold air also makes the airways narrow so that less oxygen enters. In fact, you need more oxygen when doing physical activity. This is what makes you cough and short of breath after you finish exercising.

3. Mucous discharge from the nose and throat

The discharge of mucus from the nose and throat can be caused by various factors. The most common causes include colds and flu, sinus infections, allergic reactions, and the entry of irritants into the respiratory tract.

These various conditions will trigger the production of excess mucus in the sinuses. The mucus builds up over time, causing irritation and itching in the throat. You end up having a cough, especially after every exercise.

4. Stomach acid rises

The esophagus and stomach are lined by a type of muscle. If these muscles are weak or too relaxed when you exercise, stomach acid may rise up into the esophagus and cause it heartburn. One of the symptoms heartburn is a cough.

This disorder is more experienced by people who suffer from acid reflux disease (GERD). Coughing after exercise due to GERD is usually chronic and may last a long time when symptoms appear.

5. Allergies

Some people are more sensitive to dust, pollen, and pollution from the surrounding environment. If you have allergies and exercise outside when the allergens are high, this will certainly trigger an allergic reaction during exercise.

You may cough, sneeze, and hear a loud sound every time you inhale. If you suffer from allergies as well as asthma, the effects can be even greater because of the narrowing of the airways.

6. Vocal cord dysfunction

The malfunctioning of the vocal cords is caused by not being able to open the vocal cords properly. This condition is sometimes mistakenly identified as asthma because the symptoms are similar. In fact, both need to be handled in different ways.

Symptoms of vocal cord dysfunction include:

• cough
• shortness of breath and wheezing
• throat feels tight
• hoarseness
• voice change

The symptoms of a vocal cord disorder can get worse when you have a cold, inhale something that triggers irritation, and are physically active. This is why people who have problems with their vocal cords often cough after exercising.

Sometimes exercise does trigger a nagging cough. However, that doesn't mean you can't exercise at all. You can prevent coughs by exercising at home when you are not feeling well.

If you have asthma, be prepared inhaler before exercising. Take breaks when you are tired and don't push yourself. Check with your doctor if your cough doesn't go away or is accompanied by worrying symptoms.