Why Does Shortness Of Breath Occur After Hard Exercises ?

Posted on Thu, 14 Jul 2011

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

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I am 56 male competitive cyclist. I have had shortness breath hours after hard efforts. My race times are 2min. slower than last year. During hard efforts breathing "ok" just down seem to have the strength to go XXXXXXX to that well . Breath problem occur after at night when trying to sleep. Feeling like I can't get enough air. Also often when I first stand up I get dizzy and feel like I'm going to pass out. I cycle/train 250 + mile per week

Answered by Dr. Kiran Kumar (39 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

I really appreciate that you have maintained such an endurance level. It is really commendable.

Shortness of Breath on exertion an occur due to three major reasons.

1. Airway disease - Such as Asthma and COAD (Smoking Related). Such condition are usually long standing and have identifiable risk factors.

2. Cardiac - This again is associated with other symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, swelling of legs, difficulty in lying down and so on.

3. Vascular Disease - Pulmonary Embolism can lead to such symptoms as it leads to reduced lung capacity.

The symptoms of dizzyness on standing up is suggestive of Postural Hypotension.

You definitely need a cardio-respiratory evaluation.
ECHO and Spirometry, ECG and X- XXXXXXX will be advisable.

Please consult your physician for the same.

Hope this answers your query.

Please get back if you need any further follow up information.

Thanks and Regards.

Dr Kiran.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Manju M