Does Cold Air Hurt Your Lungs While Running?

I know you've been out in the cold and felt something odd going on with your lungs during your run. You might have even ended up with raspy breathing and feeling short of breath by the end.

Well, on today's episode of Runners' High I examine this long accepted (by me) truth that cold air does hurt your lungs by figuring out what actual medical professionals have to say about the situation.

[cocojo]

Thank you for this. Went trail running up in Evergreen today and I have never had my lungs hurt so bad.

[imnotusingmyrealname]

And because cold air can't hold as much moisture as warm air it's going to be dryer when cold.

[Mikejguevarra]

Definitely feel like cold weather running has given me more phlegm buildup, especially right after a run where I'm hitting longer distances. Randomly would cough up phlegm like a smoker throughout the day

[lilrara]

It’s crazy people just find these things out naturally.Everything he says I figured out today, but he helps solidify my idea because we’re all in the same species 😭

[isaacezekiel]

It hurta my lungs so bad my body is hot but my lungs are cold and it feela like they have frostbite

[dontbeadrone]

Today, I ran sets of "Norwegian Intervals" in 22 Fahrenheit weather. I was shocked how difficult it was, compared to doing this same exercise in 60s degree weather. I was layered up and warm over most of my body, but my lungs couldn't keep up with extra burden of the cold. I don't suffer nearly as much over longer runs in a lower heart rate zone

[maksymvinyarskyy]

I ran in 30 degree fahrenheit weather and once I got inside the house my nose felt an overwhelming burning sensation for a few minutes. The next day I wore a balaclava over my nose and mouth and felt a lot better.

[sfitzgerald-shackett]

I don't exercise regularly but I was sledding with my nieces and running a lot in the cold air. My chest still feels like it is burning and keep coughing a lot. I haven't been out since going out (3 hrs. ago) but this makes sense.

[lamont]

Literally found this video, because I just finished running in the cold.

[ShinyGuyYT]

Im german and here we have to do a mandatory running test every semester in high school were you have to run a certain distance within 12 minutes (usually 3 km so about 1.7 mil.). Once we did this in -10 degree weather which was already absolutely disgusting. I can just remember how we all nearly suffocated or at least felt like we were since no one was getting enough air

[MintyPaw]

Last time I run was 2 weeks ago and I still have this problem that I can’t breathe that much it’s slowly working. Ugh I can’t wait to be myself again cause I can’t yell and can’t raise my voice

[luisadrian]

Im just going to run after work in the pm for this winter. it’s almost over so once it gets warmer I’m going to run at 6 am again I love running when it’s quiet and calm while everyone is lazy warm in their bed

[YoursTruly]

Its cold and dry air that's harmful. Airway and lungs have a hard time adding moisture & warming up the air before it hits your lungs. In some cases the inflammation is so severe that your permanently remodel themselves (not good).

Just be careful and maybe consider running on a treadmill if it's below -15C or 5F

[hhhhhhhfjjrjrjrjrirh]

I'm adjusted to extremely hot humid soggy swamp air and when there is dry cold air I cannot run more then 45 seconds

[GangStar_]

Was sprinting a few rounds in mid 40 degree weather and now I got a runny nose and sneezing fits.

[runningscents]

Yes my lungs are fucket this winter!! with my astma and all that stuff.. I am out 2 weeks now:(. cant wait to run again..

[williammartin]

-15 Celsius is where damage starts, depending on intensity and duration.

[scrada]

I had the same issues you're describing, allergy like symptoms after a run. After my last run, Oct 1st, 2022, I ended up with pneumonia.

[elijahxmoe]

700th subscriber lets gooo. Show this man some love

[bigchirp]

Been doing uphill snow sprints in preparation for the navy in -8 F and experience these issues every time. Mask does help though