Conditioning Your Lungs For Cold Weather Exercise

You may feel discomfort in your lungs when you exercise in cold temperatures – it is a common occurrence for people with and without asthma or other breathing issues.

Chest pain and a burning sensation may occur during winter workouts and experts say it’s something to be aware of, but not necessarily a concern.

Your lungs heat and humidify cold air for your body, but a large amount of cold air can irritate, according to doctors at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Prepare For Your Outdoor Winter Workout

T​ake a moment to get your body ready for breathing in winter temperatures by doing the following:

• To ease the burning sensation, wear a scarf or mask when temperatures are below freezing.
• Breathe through the nose whenever possible.
• Take a hot shower after outdoor exercise to moisten dried-out mucous membranes.
• If you have respiratory issues, continue your medications and use a quick-relief inhaler about 30 minutes before your run, if necessary.

It’s always important to recognize when the outdoor winter temperatures are just too frigid. If that is the case, plan for an indoor workout on the coldest days.

Most of the time, these tightening sensations in your chest will dissipate over time, but if you don’t recover after stopping the exercise or entering a warm indoor location, please consider seeking medical attention.