Coughing and Throat Burning with Exercise

[CycleMunk]

I hoping someone can shed some light on a problem I have.  I'm an amateur competitive cyclist, and general cycling nut.  I have had this problem that occurs several times a year, for the last six or seven years.  It always happens at the beginning of a training ride, after warm-up and the first hard effort I do (interval or otherwise).  After I stop the hard effort to recover (and usually repeat) my throat starts burning and gets extremely dry.  I can’t stop coughing to the point where I almost yack.  I can’t take any type of deep breath because it exacerbates the throat problem and makes me cough and gag even more.  I essentially have to “sip” air during the coughing/gagging fit.  This will last for 15 to 30 minutes, during which time I am totally useless on the bike.  After that time it will subside, but I will feel the effects for a good 12 hours or so.  

It has always occurred on very hot days, but today it was cool out.  I always figured it had something to do with the heat, but now I don’t think so – maybe an air quality issue?

Anyone familiar with this and have any recommendations on how to deal with it.  Like I said, it happens only a handful of times a year, but when it does, its brutal.  Luckily, it’s never happened during a race.

Any insight greatly appreciated.

[pndamac]

I have had simular issues. My advice would be to talk to your doctor, because it sounds like exercise induced asthma. I have it and so does my son unfortunately. I just take a breathing treatment before I go workout and I am fine. It sounds like it's mild like mine is and can be a great annoyance when trying to workout. You could try the over the counter meds for asthma, but they are not as effective as a prescription from the doctor. I hope this helps!