Why do i cough up phlegm / Why do my feet get cold ?

[Paul_L]

Am in my first week of trying to get out every other night for about an hour.

One thing, i've noticed, well two things to be honest is that i tend to generate a lot of phlegm in my throat especially when pulling up a hill. This is a bit unsavory, uncomfortable and also hinders breathing, as well as being a bit concerning for trying to build my milage and improve my hill climbing. Tonight was particularly bad as it was quiet a hilly ride.

I am asthmatic which i'm guessing is linked, as could be hay fever but i don't seem to get like this in the gym. Is this something which will improve with fitness do you think?

Secondly, my feet tend to get cold. I'm wearing Sidi clipless shoes, which i'm guessing are slightly too small, or i'm doing them up slightly too tight. Wearing overshoes doesn't seem to make any difference.

Any thoughts?

 

[Randochap]

Try not to hit your feet, or use phlegm-proof overboots.

 

[fossyant]

Some folk do get phlegm, some snotty (me) - that's it. It will improve as you get fit.

If overshoes don't help, the shoes could be a bit tight.

 

[longers]

Hi Paul,

Have you tried using your inhaler before you go out to open your airways a bit?

My asthma is only very mild nowadays but there's some good threads and advice on asthma on here if you have a look using the search thingy.

Other than that I dunno, I cough a bit on the bike, it is a bit grim but I'm used to it and I think a lot of folk do it too. Maybe .

 

[jayce]

I get snotty on the bike all the time just blow it out and keep on riding

 

[garrilla]

I though we all got phlegmy and that's what cars wer for

Seriously though, the cold feet seems like a circulation problem do to tightness - open your wallet as getting some proper fitting footware.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Are you / were you a smoker? If so then that is your answer. If not do you live in a city or industrial area?

As for your feet - SPD shoes are notorious for letting cold air into the feet at the best of times and if the shoes are a little too small you blood supply will be getting restricted and QED cold feet.

 

[Paul_L]

cheers for all the replies. I always use my inhaler before a ride, even if my breathing is fine.

I did used to smoke but not for about 15 years so i'd like to think that's all out of my system.

I think i'll just monitor the situation and hopefully it'll improve with fitness.

As for the shoes, well there about 10 years old now so i'll invest in a new pair and make sure they're the right size.

 

[byegad]

If the phlegm is thick it is a product of your asthma. (Mine could be used as bricks) In the evening there are more pollutants around in some areas. (Produced by a whole days worth of traffic and factory releases) Try going out in the morning if you can, even if it's just on your day off. If there is less phlegm then you need to manage your asthma better or avoid evening rides!
Personally I am particularly affected by diesel fumes, and have been known to stop if a really smokey diesel goes past in order to let the fumes disperse and to use my reliever inhalor.

 

[Paul_L]

If the phlegm is thick it is a product of your asthma. (Mine could be used as bricks) In the evening there are more pollutants around in some areas. (Produced by a whole days worth of traffic and factory releases) Try going out in the morning if you can, even if it's just on your day off. If there is less phlegm then you need to manage your asthma better or avoid evening rides!
Personally I am particularly affected by diesel fumes, and have been known to stop if a really smokey diesel goes past in order to let the fumes disperse and to use my reliever inhalor.

It is very thick. You could lay flag stones with it i'm sure!

Interesting about the morning / evening comparison. My weekend rides tend to be in the morning, and i don't think they're as bad. Have got a 20mile ride planned for tomorrow morning. I'll see how that compares to last night which was particularly bad.

 

[purplepolly]

as could be hay fever but i don't seem to get like this in the gym.

We're in the middle of the tree pollen season and just starting the peak time for birch pollen. Birch is a common allergen - about 25% of people with hay fever will react to it. Hazel, Elm and Yew are also culprits and are a bit earlier than birch.

Asthma, hay fever and eczema are supposed to be linked so it may be a bit of both - hay fever setting off the asthma, and with the dry fine weather motor pollutants will be at high levels to contribute.