Coughing after running is a common ailment that plagues many athletes and casual runners alike.
This article will cover the primary causes of coughing after running, whilst also offering our guidance when it comes to preventions and treatments.
Contents:
- What Causes Coughing After Running?
- How Much Running Can Cause These Issues?
- How Do I Know It’s Running That’s Causing My Cough?
- How Do I Diagnose Conditions Relating to Running and Coughing?
- How Can I Prevent and Treat Coughing After Running?
- FAQs
What Causes Coughing After Running?
Coughing after running is common, but it shouldn’t be ignored. In many cases it’s harmless, but persistent symptoms can point to underlying respiratory issues such as bronchoconstriction.
Below, we break down the most common causes and how they affect your body.
#1 – Seasonal Allergies
If you suffer from hay fever, running outdoors during high pollen seasons can trigger a tickly cough. The American Lung Association has labelled spring as the most harmful season for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Many runners also experience coughing during exercise, not just after.
To manage this:
- Check pollen levels before heading outside.
- Train indoors when counts are high.
- Consider antihistamines if symptoms persist.
#2 – Post-Nasal Drip
Coughing up phlegm after running, especially in cold weather, may be caused by post-nasal drip.
This occurs when excess mucus runs from the nose into the throat, irritating the airways. Common triggers include colds, allergies, and air pollution.
If symptoms worsen outdoors, reduce exposure and try indoor training where possible.
#3 – Acid Reflux
A mucus-based cough after running can also be linked to acid reflux (laryngopharyngeal reflux).
Exercise can cause stomach acid to rise into the throat, leading to irritation and coughing.
To reduce symptoms:
- Avoid trigger foods such as citrus, coffee, mint, and onions.
- Try over-the-counter acid relief medication.
- Speak to a GP if symptoms continue.
#4 – Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)
If you regularly cough or wheeze after running with no known condition, EIB could be the cause.
As John Parsons M.D. explains, EIB is a temporary narrowing of the airways triggered by exercise, particularly in cold, dry air. This makes it harder to breathe and can lead to coughing post-run.
It’s more common than many realise and often goes undiagnosed as this 2009 research and. If symptoms are frequent, it’s important to seek medical advice.
#5 – Running in the Cold Weather
According to this 2018 study, cold air contains less moisture than warm air, which can dry out and irritate your airways.
This can lead to:
- Narrowed air passages
- Reduced lung moisture
- A dry, persistent cough
If symptoms occur mainly in winter, environmental conditions are likely the cause. Consider covering your mouth when running or training indoors during colder months.
To keep warm, check out our article on the best fleece-lined leggings.
#6 – Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)
VCD occurs when the vocal cords don’t open properly during exercise, restricting airflow.
Common symptoms include:
- Coughing during running
- Wheezing
- Throat tightness
- Hoarseness
Unlike EIB, which typically causes symptoms after exercise, VCD symptoms occur during activity. The two are often confused, so proper diagnosis is important. This makes them both easy to miss, as this 2001 study highlights.
How Much Running Can Cause These Issues?
If you suffer from any of the conditions above, then any amount of running could cause a coughing fit to occur. However, certain conditions such as EIB and VCD are more severe than the likes of seasonal allergies:
EIB
As EIB can cause a coughing fit after running, you may think this occurs after long distance running or hard workout sessions. However, it only takes up to 10-15 minutes of exercise to trigger the disorder.
A 2012 piece of research shows that the effects of EIB usually begin to lessen after 30-90 minutes. Use this time to regain your composure and take several deep breaths before moving your body again.
VCD
VCD can occur at an even faster rate than EIB. The symptoms such as developing a cough after running hard could begin just 3-9 minutes after exercise.
VCD is somewhat difficult to diagnose because, unlike EIB, the attacks and symptoms don’t last for long periods of time but are still serious. A 2008 investigative study showed VCD attacks could last for as little as 1-2 minutes.
How Do I Know It’s Running That’s Causing My Cough?
If you experience chest pain or coughing after running, it can be difficult to tell whether exercise is the cause or if it’s another factor like illness or allergies.
In some cases, the trigger is obvious. For example, running during high pollen levels can worsen allergy-related coughing, while post-nasal drip may lead to phlegm after exercise. These are easier to identify based on your symptoms and environment.
However, conditions like exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) are harder to diagnose. Their symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and a hoarse voice, overlap with many other respiratory issues, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause without medical advice.
A good starting point is to monitor your symptoms closely. However, if you don’t have any of the symptoms below, exercise itself may be the trigger:
- Don’t have known allergies
- Aren’t producing mucus
- Consistently cough after running
While this can help you narrow things down, ongoing or severe symptoms should always be assessed by a medical professional. You can also help keep your lungs healthy with your diet, check out our article: 24 Best Foods For Lung Health.
How Do I Diagnose Conditions Relating to Running and Coughing?
If you’re looking for how long to stop coughing after running, you should get an accurate diagnosis. Understanding the cause will help you choose the right treatment and reduce symptoms like chest pain and persistent coughing.
Some conditions, such as seasonal allergies or acid reflux, are relatively easy to identify based on clear triggers and symptoms. However, others like vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) are harder to diagnose without medical input.
In this section, we’ll outline how these conditions are diagnosed before covering treatment options in the next section.
VCD
VCD episodes are typically short and occur during or shortly after exercise. Most people are symptom-free during everyday activities, which can make diagnosis difficult.
If testing is done when symptoms aren’t present, VCD may be missed or misdiagnosed as asthma. In fact, studies suggest this happens in a notable number of cases.
As this 2010 study highlights, to diagnose VCD, medical professionals look for three key indicators:
- Recognisable symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or throat tightness
- Laryngoscopic evidence
- Spirometry results
If one or more of these are present, VCD may be the cause of your cough after running.
A spirometry test measures how much air you can inhale and how quickly you can exhale. This involves breathing into a machine that records airflow. However, results may appear normal if the test is done while you’re symptom-free.
To improve accuracy, spirometry is sometimes performed during exercise, such as running on a treadmill. This allows specialists to assess how your airways respond under physical stress.
A laryngoscopy is considered the most reliable test for VCD. It involves using a small camera to examine your vocal cords and airway. If the vocal cords are closing or not functioning properly, this can confirm the diagnosis.
If you regularly experience coughing during or after running, a specialist may recommend one or both tests to reach a clear diagnosis.
Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)
If you regularly cough after running or exercising, EIB may be the cause. A proper diagnosis is essential to confirm this and rule out other conditions.
The process usually begins with a consultation. A specialist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any family history of asthma or respiratory issues.
As with VCD testing, spirometry is commonly used to assess lung function. However, EIB diagnosis focuses more on how your airways respond to specific triggers, not just exercise alone.
One common method is an exercise challenge test. This may involve running in conditions that typically trigger your symptoms, such as cold weather. Lung function is measured before and after using spirometry to identify any changes.
Another test is the eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH) test. This involves breathing in cold, dry air to replicate the conditions that often trigger EIB. Again, spirometry is used to assess how your airways respond.
EIB and VCD share similar symptoms, so misdiagnosis can happen. To reduce this risk, it’s important to track when your symptoms occur, how long they last, and what triggers them. This information will help your specialist make a more accurate diagnosis.
How Can I Prevent and Treat Coughing After Running?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but most conditions can be managed with the right approach. Below, we break down simple ways to prevent and treat the most common triggers.
#1 – Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are one of the easiest causes to manage with a few simple adjustments.
To reduce symptoms:
- Check pollen levels before running outdoors
- Train indoors when pollen counts are high
- Use antihistamines if needed
#2 – Acid Reflux
Acid reflux can often be improved through diet. Avoid trigger foods before running and focus on options that reduce irritation.
Helpful foods include:
- Oatmeal
- Ginger
- Vegetables
- Lean meats
- Seafood
- Egg whites
Making small dietary changes can significantly reduce coughing caused by reflux. Check out our article on the 23 Best Metabolism Boosting Foods.
#3 – Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction
EIB is commonly treated with medications also used for asthma, such as inhaled beta2-agonists.
- Short-acting inhalers work quickly and can be taken before exercise, typically lasting 2 to 3 hours as studies have shown.
- Long-acting inhalers provide longer relief, often up to 12 hours.
These medications reduce inflammation in the airways, but may take a few weeks to reach full effectiveness.
If you compete in sport, check regulations before using these medications, as some may require medical approval.
You can also manage EIB without medication by:
- Warming up properly before exercise
- Breathing through your nose to warm the air
- Wearing a scarf or mask in cold weather
#4 – Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Unlike other conditions, VCD is not treated with medication. Instead, it’s managed through speech therapy.
A speech and language therapist will guide you through exercises designed to reduce symptoms. These focus on improving voice control, lowering throat tension, and finding a comfortable speaking pitch.
Breathing techniques are also a key part of treatment. Methods such as relaxed-throat breathing and diaphragmatic breathing help keep the airways open and reduce shortness of breath during exercise.
You’ll also learn how to identify and manage your triggers, making it easier to control symptoms when they occur.
FAQs
When Should I See A Doctor About Coughing After Running?
Mild causes like seasonal allergies or post-nasal drip can usually be managed yourself. However, if symptoms linked to EIB or VCD persist, it’s important to see a doctor and request a specialist referral.
You should also seek immediate medical advice if you experience symptoms such as a high fever or heart palpitations, as these may indicate a more serious issue. Heart health is critically important, and one of the key components of fitness.
Is Coughing Up Blood After Running Related To EIB Or VCD?
Coughing up blood after running is not typically linked to EIB or VCD. It may instead be a sign of pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs after prolonged exercise.
In some cases, this fluid can contain red blood cells, which may be coughed up. If the blood is darker or contains food particles, it could be related to the digestive system.
In all cases, coughing up blood requires urgent medical attention.
Can You Have Asthma As Well As Other Respiratory Issues Such As EIB And VCD?
Yes, it’s possible to have asthma alongside EIB or VCD.
EIB is closely linked to asthma and is common in people with the condition. As symptoms overlap, EIB can sometimes be mistaken for an asthma attack.
VCD can also occur alongside asthma, but it requires a different treatment approach. While asthma is often managed with inhalers, VCD may require breathing techniques or specialist therapy.
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References:
- Jonathan P P, John G M. (2009) Exercise-induced asthma, PubMed.
- R. Saranz, G.S Del G, V.H Croce, S.R. Del G. (2004) Exercise-Induced Asthma: An Update, European Journal of inflammation.
- Maria D’A, Antonio M, Giovanna C, Lorenzo C, Isabella Annesi-M and Gennaro D’A. (2018) The impact of cold on the respiratory tract and its consequences to respiratory health. PubMed.
- A H B , M R Simon. (2001) Wheezing and vocal cord dysfunction mimicking asthma. PubMed.
- Jonathan P. P, Teal S. H, John G. M, David A. K, Kenneth W. R, James H. H, William W. S, John M. W, Fern M. C, Kevin C. W, and Sandra D. A. (2012) An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline: Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction. American Thoracic Society Documents.
- Ola Drange Rø PHD, John-Helge H MD, PhD, Hege C MD, PhD, Maria V MD, PhD, Thomas H MD, PhD. (2016) Exercise inducible laryngeal obstruction: diagnostics and management. PubMed.
