I usually run 3 times a week, about 3 miles (5k) or so......and I don't usually have this problem, but yesterday on a 5k 'turkey trot' on the last 1/4 mile I suddenly became completely breathless...my airways totally constricted and I thought I was going to keel over....I did keep running though and my breath recovered, but I had to slow down (just when I needed to speed up!) and after finishing I felt really scared of what happened.

It was very cold ( about 3c or 32f).....

I did a 5k in September and it was warm and there was a steep hill at the beginning, again, once I reached the top of the hill I could barely breathe, almost wheezing/forcing the air in and out...I recovered and finished the race though.

I don't suffer from asthma...so what could this be?

I'm upset and mad because I am trying to better my times on a 5k, but now am fearful of doing another in case this happens again.

Anyone know why this happens?

Caz

Hi Caz

I'm not a runner, but I have been experiencing similar symptoms to you. For no apparent reason I suddenly feel as though my airways are constricted and as though my throat aches. I recently had a peak flow test to check lung function and mine was only 75% of the norm for my age and size. I am having some further tests on my lung function on Tuesday. Once this happens to me I become very anxious about it and I do feel the anxiety makes it worse, but I'd also love to know if anyone else experiences this and what it might be.

Best wishes

Ballerina

I was talking to my sister who is the "runner" in the family. She said it sounded like a reaction to the cold air getting into your lungs making the airway constrict. We had this happen at an elementary school in my district also I am a Physical Education teacher and one of the 5th graders was doing the Mile run for the Presidential Fitness Challenge..same thing, too much cold air caused her to have breathing problems, no history of asthma. They gave her breathing treatments at the doctor and all was well.

Keep on running,

Cold weather constricts blood vessels and they in turn may constrict airways, could be in your case.
If you don't have asthma, it is wise to consult your doctor. It seems that cold weather caused cardiovascular spasm, and your heart did not meet the demand.

Another option is to run indoors when it is cold outside, it is better not to overexert your heart running hills in cold weather.
I am not big on running, I prefer brisk long walks; but I have read that our heart works differently on when we walk/run hills, even very fit individuals huff and puff on a steep hill.
WE went to a lighthouse last weekend, the steep hill is like climbing 30 storied building, and while last time I almost ran to the top, this time we had to stop twice. I did not went out of breath but because the climb was too steep, I had to catch it up twice.
I also saw many adults in mid 20s who huffed and puffed trying to make it to the top.
I hope there is nothing serious, but better safe, so talk to your doctor, and take it easy.
Best.
I.

You could be experiencing a bronchospasm. we would often have people come into the ER with this, which presents as asthma. Only one of the docs would order an IV of magnesium, 2 grams. Within 10 minutes, the patient would be breathing normally. I've seen this work well time and again.

My friend's husband has occasional bad asthma attacks which always cause him to go to the ER. One time they were here visiting and he started the wheezing and had to leave, expecting to go to the ER for breathing treatments. Before he left I gave him 2 magnesium tablets, about 400 mg, and they called me and said after 15 minutes the asthma abated and he never had to go to the ER.

I ended up in the ER a month ago with a similar thing, with absolutely no history of asthma, but feeling like I couldn't catch my breath. The doctor (same doc I used to work with that uses mag) had a mag IV hung and I was fine within about 10-15 min. I've since been sure to take extra mag every day.

thanks for your replies......

I'm still wondering if it's because I pushed myself too hard at the end....and the cold air added to that...after all, it has happened at the beginning of a race when it has been warm too!

Oh heck, I feel like I am getting so many health anxieties lately, I think I need a trip to my doctor to check this one out.

My husband was not helpful, he said it was normal if I was pushing myself, but I don't at all think feeling your airways totally closed up is normal!!

Now I'm even feeling anxious about doing my usual running by myself in case I fret so much that I bring it on!

Could it be that I was hyperventilating?

caz

caz, I used to run in my thirties and this happened to me on two occassions. Once near the end of a 5km run and once after a 100mtr sprint. I was told at the time by a Dr. friend that it was probably exercise or sports induced asthma. The small airways or lungs go into spasm or constrict and this can be worse in cold dry air or when there are a lot of allergens or pollution about. Can also happen after a recent viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. This only happened to me twice and I had no history of asthma and have not had a problem in this area since.

Good to know it never happened again to you....I guess I should try and go easy next time!

My hubby said I should try more heart rate type of training.

Caz x