What Causes Cough And Shortness Of Breath After Running?

Posted on Thu, 13 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 Answered on

Sat, 29 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Iam a healthy Female, 28 yrs. Since 4 weeks now, Iam having cough and shortness of breath especially when I finish my run. So i am coughing continuously to breath after my run. At the end of my cough i taste something like blood. I go for swimming which has also off late become difficult due to shortness of breath and coughing. I met a pulmonologist lastweek and he suggested me to take xray of Chest and complete blood test. He said the Xray looks fine. But I got the blood report yesterday with ESR level as 33mm/hr.
what does this signify? How can I control this? I dont have any cold substances. Can it be because of the pool water which could be poluted? Iam taking tab Advent and Ascoril cough syrup everyday. Shall i continue on this medication?

I ve attached the complete blood report with this query.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of bronchitis is more.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the report you have attached.
ESR is erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It signifies inflammation.
So whenever there is inflammation in the body, ESR is raised.
By your history and description, possibility of bronchitis is more.
It is inflammation of airways.
So better to get done PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) for the diagnosis of bronchitis.
You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid.
Yes, you can take advent and ascoril.
And yes, possibility of this event due to pool water is more.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj