Q:
What causes my lungs to have a burning sensation during
exercise?
A:
At some point in our lives, we all have experienced a
burning sensation in our lungs or airway while we were exercising. What causes this feeling?
•
Fitness level/activity intensity - If you are
new to exercise, coming off a layoff, or increasing the activity’s intensity
level you will tax your respiratory system.
When you tax your respiratory system, you breathe through your mouth and
not your nose. Mouth breathing will dry
the mucus membranes and can result in a burning sensation.
•
Air temperature/dry air - Cold air can be
uncomfortable, but the air is warmed to body temperature before it reaches the
lungs. The burning sensation when
exercising in cold temperatures is due to the fact that cold temperatures have
dry air. Dry air aggravates the lungs
and airway and can lead to a burning sensation.
•
Illness - Acute conditions that originate in or
affect the lungs or airways (bronchitis, pneumonia) have a burning sensation
associated with the illness. Exercise
may intensify the feeling.
•
Environmental – Exercising in an environment
heavy in irritants or pollutants will have a negative impact on the respiratory
system and may lead to a burning sensation.
•
Chronic Respiratory Disease – Chronic diseases,
such as exercise-induced asthma, result in the airway constricting during
exercise and can lead to a burning sensation.
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