Why am I breathing so hard?

maizerage66
maizerage66 Posts: 367 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all, I just have a quick question. As you can see by my profil pic, you can probably tell that I'm in pretty good shape. I can run a 5k in just over 20 minutes no problem, lift heavy weights like nobody's business, but my problem is that I am constantly breathing very heavily as if I were in the worst shape in the world. Like I'll start breathing heavily within a minute of any running or lifting. I can start breathing heavy just walking up a flight of stairs...It wasn't hard at all, it wasn't tiring or requiring much effort but I still breathe really heavily as if I just ran for a few minutes. Can anybody relate? I know it's not because I'm out of shape because I am physically capable of high endurance workouts and stuff like that, I can finish them and not be tired, but I just end up breathing heavily. I know there's nothing wrong with breathing heavily after a heavy lifting session or a long run, but I'm talking just after a couple minutes of something that isn't even that difficult. It makes me wonder if I have some sort of condition or something...

Replies

  • Flab2Fab27
    Flab2Fab27 Posts: 461 Member
    Whatever you do, don't type your symptoms into google...
  • magenem
    magenem Posts: 8 Member
    Do you have asthma in your family? Asthma is not always this life altering shortness of breath. It could also be very subtle like what your describing.
  • thatjosiegirl
    thatjosiegirl Posts: 362 Member
    Possible heart issue? Head to the DR asap!
  • OliviaCounts
    OliviaCounts Posts: 36 Member
    If it's recently gotten worse I would go see someone. They can do a breathing test at the doctor's office. It takes 5 minutes, I had one done once. Checks to make sure your lungs are doing okay.
  • ErisDyscordia
    ErisDyscordia Posts: 50 Member
    Sounds a lot like when my asthma is mildly flaring up. Worth getting checked for mild asthma...also a general check up to make sure your heart and lungs are all good .
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    I would make an appointment with your Doctor for a physical. I'm sure it's nothing serious but it's always good to have it checked out. First thing that came to mind was Asthma??
  • rayneface
    rayneface Posts: 219 Member
    I have asthma and have since I have been a toddler. I can exercise and be breathing very hard but it is due to working hard and not my asthma. It has taken me a long time to learn the difference between asthma heavy breathing and exertion heavy breathing but it is a big difference now that I am physically aware of it.

    Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath - you tend take quicker shallow breaths because you cannot catch your breath or feel like you are breathing through a straw due to chronic inflammation of the airway (or narrowing) Are you experiencing any of this?

    When you exercise, the body responds to an increased demand for oxygen to the muscles by automatically increasing your respiration rate. Heavy breathing while you're exercising can be a sign that you are increasing your oxygen demand - given that you say you are not deconditioned I would presume this is what is happening. If it's really a concern I would bring it up at your next doc appointment.

    Just my thoughts :)
  • PowerKickChic
    PowerKickChic Posts: 108 Member
    I would go see the doctor and just see if there are any allergies, asthma or any other medical condition you might have that could be impairing your breathing...even gerds will do it because it does it to me.

    If not, maybe there are some breathing techniques out there that will help you expand your lungs before you work out.. I saw on a tv show...LOL The first 10 minutes of my workout I am gasping for breath but once i use my breathing techniques the next two hours are a breeze.

    AE: I take a deep breath then inhale through my mouth exhale through my nose. It prevents from hyperventilation.
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    Whatever you do, don't type your symptoms into google...
    :laugh:
  • maizerage66
    maizerage66 Posts: 367 Member
    Thanks everyone for your responses. Now that I'm thinking about it, back when I was in 7th grade my mother said that I was very close to getting an inhaler even though I don't have asthma (or a serious form of it and whatnot). So I'm thinking that maybe I do have some sort of breathing issue so I will definitely mention it to my doctor. Thank you all!

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