Allergies and running

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves
sunglasses_and_ocean_waves Posts: 2,757 Member
edited January 24 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi, not sure what to do here. Cancer didn't stop me, tendinitis didn't and neither did shin splints, but I cannot get out there right now without coughing for days. I've never had allergies, but they say it's a really bad year. I've been pushing myself to get out there regardless (I lift every other day indoors so that's fine), but yesterday I couldn't really finish my run. I had to walk it because of the coughing. Any ideas? I'm not too into meds since I have to take some already, but if that's what it takes ....

Thanks in advance.

Replies

  • stephenson2012
    stephenson2012 Posts: 94 Member
    My doctor suggested sucking on a throat numbing cough drop to stop the tickle in the throat. Also shower as soon as you finish your run including washing your hair to get any pollen off. Otherwise, you are wearing it and it will irritate your sinus.
  • sunglasses_and_ocean_waves
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves Posts: 2,757 Member
    Thank you so much! I purposefully haven't been using cough drops or anything before a run, because I didn't want to open up my lungs for more crap. I'll take your dr's advice and do the opposite. Thank you!
  • dsjohndrow
    dsjohndrow Posts: 1,820 Member
    I like the cough drop post. And there might be a good allergy med to get you through. I have good luck with Zyrtec - but I would ask the doc, or a druggist. #running
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Have you tried taking an antihistamine before heading out?

    I realized that I am susceptible to exercise-induced asthma attacks. It happened a couple of times while I was bicycling outside, and it was really alarming. Both times I was going uphill and it was spring (so stuff was blooming). That's one of the reasons I don't do much cardio outdoors anymore. It's treadmills for me--at least the air is predictable.
  • TAsunder
    TAsunder Posts: 423 Member
    Talk to a doctor. I have seasonal allergies and I sneeze and get itchy eyes. When I used to get coughing fits from allergies it was because of inadequately controlled asthma. The only time I have lung problems when running now is when it is quite cold out.
  • AliciaStinger
    AliciaStinger Posts: 402 Member
    I have allergies, too...I take generic Flonase and an indoor/outdoor 24-hour allergy pill. You need a prescription for the nasal spray if you want it. However, since you're not into medicine, I've heard that there are organic ways of dealing with allergies. I recently heard of "rooibos" tea (which the tea store lady pronounced "ROY-bus") and I got some that was peach flavored. Within 10 minutes of drinking a sample, my eyes stopped itching and watering. It didn't last especially long - only about an hour or 45 minutes - but I only had an ounce or two. Also, if you drink a whole cup, it may last long enough for a run.

    I wish I had more advice; I mainly came here to see if others had answers. I can't do much in the spring because I can't breathe and start wheezing.
  • sunglasses_and_ocean_waves
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves Posts: 2,757 Member
    Thank you Alicia! I'll look for that tea. That's exactly the kind of thing I was hoping for. I hope you get some good ideas too.

    Thank you dsjohndrow, bumblebums (lol feel cute writing that) & TAsunder. Will consider talking to a dr at some point. I'm hoping to avoid that, because they always have to rule out cancer returning. I really hate the terror that brings.
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