Runner's cough

[Illinois Runner]

I am an endurance runner and for years I have had an irritating and tiring cough some 20 minutes or so into my run.  If I run for 3 hours it lasts nearly the entire time.  I had an ENT check my sinuses and a pulmonologist check my lungs both of which are fine.  I had an allergist begin desensitization shots and my family doctor thinks I have asthma and has given me medicines that don't really seem to help.  Basically, nothing seems to stop this annoying cough except not running.  I think I have tried just about everything that could be a source of the cough with little if any relief.  It would be helpful to know if anyone else has dealt with this problem and may have found some relief or treatment that works.  Your feedback would be appreciated.

[miteymowse]

Hi ... I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you, as I am searching for one myself.  I guess I'm just taking some comfort in the fact that I'm not the only one, and hopefully there's nothing really seriously wrong.

I am a relatively new runner (or "renewed" runner, as I am returning to it after 5 years away due to plantar faciitis).  Anyway, I experience a VERY irritating tickle and cough AFTER I run (I've been calling it "Runner's Cough", too!). It doesn't bother me at all during the run, just immediately upon stopping, and then for 1-2 days afterward.  Right now -- hopefully only until I've gotten in better shape -- I breathe very heavily through my mouth as I run, which must be what is irritating my throat, right at the top of my windpipe, causing the infuriating tickle (which, by the way, nothing soothes -- throat spray, lozenges, hot tea, nothing).

I hope to find something to prevent this SOON ... good luck to you, too!