Chest Complaint/Coughing

kerryscoob

What are other cyclists wearing to prevent chest coughs etc. Wearing baselayer(XU2 or Canterbury) plus another two layers. Showering and changing immediately after rides but suffering with chest cough.

Not on any prescribed meds,no history.

Didn't suffer during the really cold spell but since our damp weather has returned not shaking this cough off.It's not very bad just a nuisance.

blorg

I have it too, I think it is an infection. Fair few in work with it and other cyclists I know too. I was off the bike for two weeks and it was getting better but after doing the Gorey at the weekend I am dripping and back coughing again. From my previous experience with these things if it drags on your best bet is your GP and antibiotics. I don't run to them but if it had been going on for longer than a few weeks you probably need it. Does knock it on the head sharpish.

Lumen

Avoid small children and all those who come into contact with them.

Zorba

Make sure at least one of your layers is wind proof, if not use some old newspaper under your jersey to keep the wind out.

Probably not related here but i find if i'm out pushing myself on climbs i cough a bit for a few hrs when i get home, apparently it's the lungs expanding, but it passes after a few hrs.

Oh and maybe take a Vitamin C supplement along with a good multivitamin wouldn't do any harm either

lescol

Became ill day before St Patricks, I'm still coughing, although, slowly drying up. It's normal I'm afraid and unless you're ill with a chest infection you'll have to put up with it. Plenty of papers out there to say that antibiotics don't reduce the duration of a cough.

Can't avoid children, the small guy had it too, much milder symptoms and short duration of cough. They can just shrug it off.

jwshooter

have a look at MandM Direct ,lots of base layers and other cheep gear on it

service is prompt and the stuff is good

RobFowl

Antibiotics have their place although are over prescribed. If you've a cough going on 3-4 weeks now you really should see your GP.

BostonB

I had a rotten cough during the winter and cycling just made it worst. Rest was the only thing that worked. That and keeping out of the Cold. But it took forever to shift. Last time I got it antibotics had very little effect last time.

DualFrontDiscs

Lumen wrote: »

Avoid small children and all those who come into contact with them.

Good advice in general

DFD*.

*DissingFamiliesDelicately

ROK ON

Firstly I have a lot of experience with chest infections and antibiotics.

I have weak lungs, am asthmatic and tend to get two to four debilitating chest infections per year.

I tend to wear two base layers at this time of year plus LS jersey and windproof gilet or raincape.
The idea is that I try to stay warm even if I am too warm. I would echo previous comments on the importance of windproofing.

Also just don't cycle with a chest infections.

Finally on antibiotics. Get medical advice. I have to be careful as I am allergic to penicillin. I take another antibiotic (arithromycin?). While it does tend to clear the infection after about 4 days it plays havoc with my stomach. Antibiotics do not prevent the infections. Nor have they lessened the incidence of them.
Hope that is somewhat helpful.

kerryscoob

Cheers lads

Will try the newspapers, after getting through the coldest of the weather,it seems the damp weather is the most dangerous. Was out today and got saturated,when leaving it was lovely left off the shoe covers,feet were very cold and wet on way home. *HIT HAPPENS!

Not bad enough for the doc yet but will have to watch it.

uberwolf

This is not a medical board.

Common sense here. Training is stressing & overloading your body. Any infection is also a stress on your body which requires recovery. Combining the two is overreaching unless a medic with a sympathy for athletics tells you otherwise.