• The Cycling News forum is still looking to add volunteer moderators with. If you're interested in helping keep our discussions on track, send a direct message to @SHaines here on the forum, or use the Contact Us form to message the Community Team.

    In the meanwhile, please use the Report option if you see a post that doesn't fit within the forum rules.

    Thanks!

Breathing Problems

Aug 4, 2009
1
0
0
I've been having a strange breathing problem for the last couple of years. I should state that I am 72 and have been riding for about 50 years. In my 60's I was still riding pretty hard, averaging 24 mph in TT's and doing a lot of centuries and fast group rides. My problem is that for around 10 miles of harder rides I have a lot of trouble getting enough air for hard efforts. Once I go through 1 or 2 gasping spells, the problem disappears and I can go hard without any breathing problems. This coincides with allergies that have sneaked up on me the last few years and I do use an inhaler before harder rides, which helps a little. I'm wondering if there is more that I can do as I am still pretty strong when I can breath and still work hard on my form.

Frank
 
What is the condition that needs the inhaler? Asthma, COPD, etc.

Does your problem involve wet-cough with mucus?

Also perhaps try easy side-to-side bending from your waist to compress and relax your lungs & toro - does that have any effect?

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA
 
Mar 10, 2009
1,295
0
0
I take Symbicort by prescription. Typical symptoms would be out of air at heart rates much lower than normal. Less power and less stamina. If I rode 2 days in a row the second day was always better. I suffer allergies in the spring and this problem follows the allergies. My wife gets it all winter from the cold and the first warm days it is like she got new legs.

I started taking this maybe 8 or 9 years ago. I need it less every year now.
 
Mar 10, 2009
1,295
0
0
JayKosta said:
You might want to consult with a pulmonologist if your prescription is from someone who isn't.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

2 year wait lists for these guys. Can't get a lot of things easily.