Running With Bronchitis: 9 Symptoms + 5 Treatment solutions

Running with bronchitis? The reason prompting you to ask this question could be more pleasant. But in this article, you will learn how bronchitis affects your body and running. You’ll find out the answer to whether you can exercise and how to protect yourself from potentially getting sick.

Is it advisable to run with acute bronchitis?

Running And Bronchitis

Have you ever asked yourself – Does running help with bronchitis?

If you are an avid runner, you may have experienced improved immune function, which can be beneficial in fighting off acute illnesses such as bronchitis—an inflammation of the respiratory tract commonly caused by viral infections.

While it’s true that runners generally have stronger immune systems than those who do not run, the likelihood of them contracting acute bronchitis is still relatively high.

According to studies conducted by the University of Bristol, regular exercise reduces the risk of suffering with pneumonia.

Fortunately, chronic bronchitis is less common among physically active individuals as it is primarily caused by various irritants such as smoking, passive smoking, air pollution, and
environmental dust.

However, there is a risk of developing acute bronchitis or other illnesses if runners overexert themselves during their runs.

Engaging in excessively intense or prolonged running sessions to enhance performance without allowing adequate recovery time can nullify the benefits of such exertion. In fact, failure to ensure full recovery can lead to detrimental effects on both performance and the body’s susceptibility to acute bronchitis and other illnesses.

On the other hand, you will notice detrimental effects on your performance, and your body will become more vulnerable to acute bronchitis and other acute illnesses.

To strike the right balance, runners should prioritize proper rest and recovery alongside their training to enjoy the full benefits of an active lifestyle while minimizing the risk of respiratory issues.

By being mindful of these factors, runners can continue to pursue their passion for running while safeguarding their respiratory health.

9 Symptoms Of Bronchitis In Runners

In both runners and non-runners, the symptoms of bronchitis are identical.

However, the fact is that if you are a runner, as the symptoms come on, you will feel discomfort when breathing when you run. You may also notice an adverse change in your performance during exercise.

Symptoms of acute bronchitis in people who actively engage in running are:

1. Running with cough
2. Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing
3. Coughing after a run
4. Congestion of the chest
5. Feeling tired
6. Feeling short of breath while running
7. Runny Nose
8. Slight Fever
9. Sore Throat

Can I Running With Bronchitis

Running with bronchitis is not advisable. Bronchitis inflames the airways, making it harder to breathe. Running can worsen symptoms, hinder healing, and lead to complications.

If you suffer from chronic bronchitis, choosing appropriate physical aerobic exercises can help significantly improve your health condition.

Consultation with a doctor before exercising is essential to develop a particular exercise program for you. As long as you don’t overdo it, light jogging and walking can help strengthen your breathing muscles and improve how your body uses oxygen.

Keeping this cardio very light is essential, gradually increasing the workload over time.

It is normal to ask yourself – Can you run with bronchitis?

Things are different in the case of acute bronchitis. It is crucial to tailor any physical activity to your condition.

Many runners use their head area as a guide and are guided by whether the symptoms are present in that area or further down the body. If the symptoms are often only in the head area, you can continue running according to your training program.

That is, this rule states that it’s okay to run if you detect symptoms like:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Irritated sinuses

However, you should still pay attention to these issues. It’s important to take steps to prevent them and make smart decisions about your running routine.

Keep in mind that you should also be cautious about symptoms in your chest area. If you do feel symptoms there, running could worsen any infection. In that case, pausing your run until the symptoms improve is a good idea.

When the body is fighting the infection and you are running, the recovery process will slow down, and symptoms will likely worsen. The body is weak at such a time, and when you run, it will not have the strength to deal with the disease.

You must be mindful of your body; when it signals you need rest, you must rest.

5 Treatment Solutions Of Bronchitis In Runners

Recovery from acute bronchitis can vary from several days to weeks. If you experience symptoms persisting beyond 2-3 weeks or notice a worsening condition, it’s advisable to consult a doctor.

Running after having bronchitis is probably the thought of every active runner when suffering from an acute case. But for the athlete to be able to run entirely, it is necessary to implement treatment methods that will restore his normal health levels.

Here’s what cough treatment consists of:

1. Complete rest

Limiting certain physical activities directs your body’s energy toward addressing the infection. Prioritizing quality sleep is fundamental for adequate rest. With restricted exercise, ensuring a minimum of 8 hours of sleep daily becomes imperative for your well-being. Rest and medical guidance are crucial for a faster recovery.

2. Drink plenty of water

As a part of the treatment regimen for bronchitis in runners, consuming ample water plays a crucial role. This practice effectively loosens accumulated mucus, facilitating its easier expulsion through coughing.

Proper hydration helps thin the consistency of mucus and supports overall respiratory health, which is especially important for individuals engaged in running.

3. Use the steam effect

Employing the steam effect is a valuable strategy in treating bronchitis, particularly for runners. Inhaling the vapors from a pot of boiling water effectively heats the airways, promoting dilation.

Moreover, this steam assists in the gentle loosening of mucus, rendering it more manageable to expel. The warmth can also trigger a natural cough reflex, aiding in eliminating accumulated mucus and improving respiratory comfort.

4. The help of saline sprays

Saline sprays can be real lifesavers when it comes to bronchitis relief. These sprays are like a gentle wave of goodness for your nose and throat. The saline nasal solution works magic by flushing out your sinuses and giving that annoying mucus the boot. It’s like a mini-shower for your nose, keeping everything hydrated and happy.

5. Gradually return to normal workloads

When running with a chest cold, taking things slow and steady is essential. If you feel any heaviness in your chest, give yourself some workout breaks. Gradually easing back into your regular running routine is key.

Establishing realistic expectations for your running form as you begin your recovery is essential. Commence with easy walks and progress to low-intensity and shorter runs until full recovery is achieved. Distances ranging from 2 to 4 miles are appropriate if you still have mild symptoms.

5 Prevention Tips Of Bronchitis In Runners

There are some steps that, if followed strictly, significantly reduce the chance in the future to meet with acute bronchitis and suffer the negative consequences.

These are:

1. Benefit from immuno-stimulation through nutrition

Adding foods rich in vitamins to the menu (fruits and vegetables) can naturally boost the body’s immune function.

2. Immunization through regular vaccinations

Science has shown that influenza vaccines are effective when administered in a timely manner and significantly reduce the risk of developing infection.

3. Protect your throat from breathing in the cold air

Use a scarf or mask covering your throat area, mouth, and nose to prevent cold air from passing directly through your throat and reaching your chest.

4. Don’t bother to diversify with an indoor workout

Avoid running outside when very heavy rain or freezing temperatures are too low. If you encounter such a situation, you may benefit from a wide selection of indoor workouts that are a good alternative.

5. Observance of strict hygiene

Observe strict hygiene when exercising with a buddy. Regular hand washing and drinking water from your bottle/shaker can prevent many bacteria from exchanging.

These are methods by which you can also effectively protect yourself from coughs, throat diseases, and colds.

Can Coughing After Running Cause Bronchitis?

While occasional post-running coughing is common and usually benign, it’s unlikely to cause bronchitis directly.

However, persistent, intense coughing might irritate the respiratory tract and potentially contribute to bronchial inflammation over time. It’s essential to differentiate between regular exercise-induced coughing and chronic bronchitis, often caused by smoking or prolonged exposure to irritants.

If concerns persist, consulting a medical professional is advised for accurate diagnosis and guidance.

Can exercise cause bronchitis?

Aerobic exercise helps improve the health of people who have not exercised before and suffer from chronic bronchitis.

There is no way that exercise can directly cause acute bronchitis. They help protect us from it. But in some cases, when high-intensity and heavy workouts are present, and full recovery is lacking, the body becomes exhausted and is susceptible to acute illness.

Accordingly, if you train very hard and do not recover fully, there is a risk that your body will become more vulnerable to a disease such as acute bronchitis.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Relationship Between Running And Bronchitis

Can running make bronchitis worse?

Running can positively affect your health when you suffer from chronic bronchitis. When symptoms of acute bronchitis occur, running is not a good option in most cases.

What not to do when you have bronchitis?

When you have symptoms in the chest area, the most important thing is not to do activities that can make your breathing heavier and more rapid. This will not make your condition better.

It is also essential to avoid smoking, second-hand smoke, dehydration, and other irritants polluting the air you breathe.

Final Words About Running With Bronchitis

So, we have addressed your concerns, shedding light on how bronchitis intersects with your running routine. Discover the factors to consider when exercising with this condition and learn to protect yourself from potential setbacks.

When dealing with chronic bronchitis, exercise can play a positive role. However, it’s wise to limit physical activity during acute bronchitis until symptoms ease.

By prioritizing your health, you can continue pursuing your passion for running while staying attuned to your body’s signals.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Have you encountered bronchitis while running? Let’s discuss, and remember, prioritizing your well-being is the first step towards achieving your running goals.

Also read:

• Why Are Runners So Skinny
• 18 Minute 5K Training Plan
• Shoulder Pain While Running
• Do Runners Wear Underwear
• Aerobic vs Anaerobic Exercise
• How Long Does It Take to Run 2 Miles
• Best Beach Running Shoes
• Running Without Socks
• Is a 6 Minute Mile Good

References:

1. Regular exercise reduces the risk of and death from pneumonia, study suggests // University of Bristol: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2021/december/exercise-pneumonia.html
2. Chronic Bronchitis // MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/chronicbronchitis.html
3. Acute Illness in the Athlete // PMC: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7126929/
4. Bronchitis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment // American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/bronchitis/symptoms-diagnosis-treatment
5. Can You Exercise With Bronchitis? // Beaufort Memorial Hospital SC: https://www.bmhsc.org/blog/can-you-exercise-with-bronchitis
6. What is bronchitis? // National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/bronchitis