Coughing during or after exercise is a common yet often puzzling phenomenon. While physical activity is essential for health, sudden bouts of coughing can disrupt workouts and raise concerns. From environmental factors to underlying medical conditions, here’s a breakdown of why coughing strikes during exercise and how to address it.
- Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)
Formerly known as exercise-induced asthma, EIB occurs when physical activity triggers airway narrowing. During intense exercise, rapid breathing through the mouth draws in dry, cool air, irritating the airways and causing inflammation. This leads to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. EIB affects approximately 10% of the general population and up to 90% of people with asthma.
Why it happens:
Cold, dry air dehydrates airway linings
