Expert: Gary - 11/6/2005

Question
I am 22 years old, not in the greatest of shape, but ever since I was a child and wanted to run or jog after a few minutes (especially in the cold) I wouldn't be able to continue because I would be  out of breath and my airway and chest would hurt from the air especially if it is less than 75 degrees or so.  Does this seem to be something that may just be a symptom of not being in shape and can I just work on being able to run further?  Or is it not normal to have these symptoms?  I don't have breathing problems at any other times.

Answer
Hi Jennifer

Getting out of breath when you run (or when doing any exercise) is absolutely normal. Everyone gets out of breath when they run. Even the best athletes in the world get out of breath. It is what the body does to deliver more oxygen to the muscles. OK, people experience different degrees of breathlessness to different amounts of exercise depending on their level of fitness.

Simply getting out of breath when you run isn't suggestive of exercise-induced asthma. Exercise-induced asthma will invariably cause chest tightness and wheeze as well as breathlessness. It can be measured by doing some simple exercise tests. Why not ask your doctor about them?

In summmary, based on what you have told me, I would say that you are probably right in thinking that your symptoms are more than likely related to you being out of shape.

Hope this is useful
Gary