Why Do I Cough After Running in the Cold?

Coughing after running, especially in cold, dry weather, is normal for some people. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) happens if your airways swell and narrow while exercising. You might cough, feel breathless, and wheeze after running since it's difficult for air to pass through your lungs. Exercise-induced rhinitis is another reaction to exercise that causes inflammation of your nasal passages.

It is normal to keep coughing after running. Coughing and other asthma- or allergy-related symptoms usually subside within 30–45 minutes after running. You might prevent coughing attacks by using an inhaler before running or taking medication daily.

Keep in mind that coughing after running does not mean you have asthma, but most people with asthma have EIB. Read on to learn why you might cough after running, ways to reduce coughing attacks, and when to see a healthcare provider.

What Can Cause Coughing After Running?

Winter workouts are great for some people. In contrast, cold or dry air might trigger EIB in others. Some might have exercise-induced rhinitis. Both health conditions involve coughing after high-intensity exercise, including running.

Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)

EIB, formerly known as exercise-induced asthma, happens when the small airways in your lungs swell. As a result, it's difficult for air to pass through your lungs. Keep in mind: Exercise does not cause asthma, and not everyone with EIB has asthma.

Chilly weather may spur cells to release histamine, a chemical your body usually releases in response to an allergen. Histamine causes symptoms like breathlessness, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing. Symptoms typically go away within 30–45 minutes after you finish running.

Exercise-Induced Rhinitis

This is inflammation of your nasal passages that occurs with physical activity. You may develop symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, itching, and sneezing.

It's unclear what exactly causes exercise-induced rhinitis. Some evidence suggests that possible risk factors include dehydration and inflammation. Other research has shown that your body releases histamine during exercise, which might result in allergy symptoms like coughing.

How To Reduce Coughing Attacks

You do not need to stop running if you have EIB or exercise-induced rhinitis. Instead, try taking steps to reduce coughing attacks.

Ways to lessen coughing after running include:

• Do not skimp on your warm-up and cool-down. Slowly build up your activity for several minutes before you run, then take time to wind down after.
• Focus on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Run indoors if the air is very cold and dry outdoors.
• Try running with a scarf over your mouth and nose. The scarf will help humidify and warm the air you breathe in so it does not irritate your airways.

Prevention

Consult a healthcare provider if you have respiratory troubles. They may prescribe treatments that help prevent coughing after running. For example, a healthcare provider might advise using an inhaler about 15–20 minutes before working out. You may need to take medication daily.

You do not need to avoid running if you have EIB or exercise-induced rhinitis. Still, some types of workouts might prevent symptoms better than running. Try low-intensity biking or walking. Activities that involve brief bursts of energy, such as baseball or gymnastics, may also help.

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

You might contact a healthcare provider if you cough every time you run or have a lingering cough. You might have an underlying illness or infection if you have a cough lasting 10–14 days or longer.

Seek medical attention right away if you have:

• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Fever
• Hives
• Recent tuberculosis exposure
• Signs of heart failure (i.e., existing heart disease, swelling in your legs, and coughing that worsens when you lay down)
• Stridor, or a high-pitched sound when breathing in
• Swollen face or throat
• Thick phlegm that is yellowish-green with a foul smell

About 90% of people with asthma have EIB. See a healthcare provider if you have asthma and coughing does not improve or worsens with treatment.

A Quick Review

Coughing after running is normal, especially if you run outdoors when the air is cold and dry. Running might cause EIB or exercise-induced rhinitis. Both health conditions cause asthma- and allergy-like symptoms, including coughing, feeling breathless, and wheezing.

Warming up and cooling down properly before and after running is key to preventing coughing. A healthcare provider might advise using an inhaler before running or taking medication daily. Most people with asthma have EIB, so let a healthcare provider know if your symptoms do not improve or worsen with treatment.

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