Cycling Sore Throat???

ulinbac

I'm new to cycling but have found that when I cycle on a cold day my throat, down as far of my chest is pretty raw.

I'm not sick or anything. Just wondering if its from breathing in the cold air thats drying out my throat, or from too much exertion while moving at speed and if anyone else gets this?

Remedies would be helpful also .

Thanks

RobertFoster

Keep your mouth closed

I wore a neck gaiter throughout the winter and managed to avoid any sore throats. I find it too hot to wear at this time of year, but one might help you.

Beasty

ulinbac wrote: »

Remedies would be helpful also .

Not if it constitutues any form of medical advice, as that is against Boards rules

kerry4sam

ulinbac wrote: »

I'm new to cycling but have found that when I cycle on a cold day my throat, down as far of my chest is pretty raw.

I'm not sick or anything. Just wondering if its from breathing in the cold air thats drying out my throat, or from too much exertion while moving at speed and if anyone else gets this?

Remedies would be helpful also .

Thanks

When I first started cycling I had that same issue, I would suffer from sore throat (would just take lozenges after cycling) after cycling in wind and rain. I didn't wear anything special or otherwise though and now I cycle in all weather conditions without a bother. Maybe it just takes time for your body to get accustomed to the conditions

cantalach

Once spring kicks in, if I do a hard cycle and haven't taken an allergy tablet that day, I'll invariably get a raspy throat and/or upper respiratory tract during and after. Usually this is early-April but I got away with it until May this year because of the late spring.

(Not medical advice - just sharing my experience. If you suspect you may have rhinitis/seasonal allergies you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.)

CardinalJ

I get the same problem with most sports when it cold out.

Neck warm can help but you'll just stop noticing as much after a while.

valleyoftheunos

If you're breathing through your mouth while Cycling you are gulping in big lungfuls of cold air, your lungs and throat hate this. Try use your nose more or try and keep your throat and chest warm.

Kav0777

valleyoftheunos wrote: »

..Try use your nose more ...

This also stops you swallowing flies....

valleyoftheunos

Kav0777 wrote: »

This also stops you swallowing flies....

Bonus!:D

IM0

makes vo2 intervals a real bitch in the winter pre season training

mirv

Both myself and the girlfriend get this. As far as we have figured it's exercise/cold induced asthma. Kinda feels like your throat is sore and your lungs don't want to let you inhale deeply and you end up hyperventilating shallowly (if you try to push your pace).

One puff (maybe if its 6-10C) or two puffs (<6C) with the blue inhaler (ventolin) really help. I honestly think neck warmers are a band aid remedy when the main problem for me is that my lungs don't like to open up. They're useless if you go at a decent training pace - you can't really cover your mouth otherwise you'll just end up drooling everywhere and steaming up your glasses.

Your mileage may vary, and you need to consult a doctor before trying asthma medication as it is prescription only, but a single/double dosage of the standard blue inhaler is an incredibly small dosage for how much it helps if you suffer from exercise/cold-induced asthma.

Not sure if this constitutes medical advice, but feel free to edit/delete if you think it's dangerous advice.

furiousox

ulinbac wrote: »

...when I cycle on a cold day my throat, down as far of my chest is pretty raw.
I'm not sick or anything....

Feeling better Brad?

ulinbac

furiousox wrote: »

Feeling better Brad?

A lot better. Had it for 2 days after. Didnt go out but heading out tomorrow and Sunday so will see what happens

ulinbac

Went to my pharmacist today and got the answer.

As I haven't trained outside for a few year and only in the gym my body is not used to the cold anymore. It's affecting the asthma, because of taking in big breaths, and I probably have a pollen allergy.

The cure is to keep cycling to adapt back but also back on the steroid inhalers for a few weeks.

Thanks for all the help

cantalach

ulinbac wrote: »

Went to my pharmacist today [...] and I probably have a pollen allergy.

As I suspected. He/she didn't recommend you take something for that?

KTRIC

Used to get this when I started driving motorbikes when I was younger. Start breathing in through your nose, put through your mouth. Common sense really ;-)

ulinbac

cantalach wrote: »

As I suspected. He/she didn't recommend you take something for that?

My inhaler has a steroid in it and she said that theres no need for an allergen as the steroid will act as one.

She said I can buy allergy tablets if I want but would probably be a waste of money once im using the inhalers

Beasty

OK, this has moved on to medical talk and is bordering on advice, so I'm closing the thread

The OP seems to be sorted anyway