Struggling to breathe when wet and cold

[Reggit]

Out this morning and got drenched, noticed I was struggling to breathe when my very wet and cold t-shirt was against my chest. Took to running with one hand pulling it off my skin.

Is this normal (assume not)? Might have to consider something waterproof if I can’t get over it.

Wasn’t a problem in summer, and also recovering from suspected covid so don’t know if it’s a hangover from that which will hopefully clear in the next few weeks.

[roseabi]

Hi! Sorry to see that you've been struggling.

I have read that colder air can constrict the airways and lungs, making it a bit harder to breathe. But also I wonder if, because you have been ill, the extra weight and the clingy feeling from the wet top is causing you to focus negatively upon your breathing? Perhaps this is combining with the effects of cold air?

I think it might be best for you to avoid running in the wet for the time being, and/or invest in that waterproof. But check with your GP if you're worried xxx

[Reggit Graduate10 in reply to roseabi]

Thanks, didn’t intend getting wet but it’s hard to avoid round here at the moment.

It was just weird, when I pulled the material off my chest all was ok again.

Think I may have to be a fair weather runner over winter 😂

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Sounds like you’ve had a fair old time of it recently Reggit. Hopefully time and some drier weather will help - you could still be getting over your lurgy. Here’s hoping you soon feel back to normal - good luck.🙂

[Cmoi Graduate10]

Sorry to hear that Reggit .

Probably a stupid question, but is your T-shirt cotton or in a breathable, wicking fabric? If the former, I suspect that's contributing to the problem.

[Reggit Graduate10 in reply to Cmoi]

It’s a wicking one.

Incidentally took a run today in the dry, although it was only 4 degrees I had no problems in the same top.

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to Reggit]

Ah well, ignore me then! I imagine that after all you've been going through with suspected Covid any sensation of constriction or weight on your chest must be extremely distressing, and can only exacerbate breathing issues. Take it easy!

[Lifluf Graduate10]

Could well be a (mild) symptom of long COVID. Maybe don't push yourself too hard until your lungs can fully cope.

[Reggit Graduate10 in reply to Lifluf]

Half wondered about ‘long covid’ as I’m still struggling with tiredness 6 weeks later. Only had mild C-19 symptoms though, so who knows.

Half making myself go for runs a few times a week as it would be so easy to give up at the minute and I’m not letting all the hard work go to waste! Finally hit 5k again this morning so happy it’s starting to come back although time’s really slow compared to pre-covid!

Yes I am impatient by the way 😂