Severe coughing fit - any thoughts?

[imported_siameeser]

I didn't know where to post this question, but here it goes.

I finished Crossfit's "Fran" - a thruster (front squat to push press) and pullup workout. I set a new PR of 3:24 and while it didn't leave me feeling like I had been run over by a truck it did leave me with a severe coughing fit that was so intense and so long that my gag reflex finally kicked in and I was visiting the porcelin goddess with dry heaves. (No, this was not a visit from "Pukie". Believe me, that is completely different!).

I've had this problem virtually every time I've done the Fran WOD and this also happened every time I did heavy 20 rep squats in the past. I'm fine while doing the workout, but as soon as I stop it feels like something huge is stuck in the base of my throat and I can't stop the violent coughing. These episodes usually last around two hours.

I don't have this coughing attack when doing any other movements.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[Scott Sonnon]

Kelly,

If it's anything like I've experienced, my physician has described it as a histimatic reaction to extreme exertion. I would check with your doc. In my case, it was nothing to be concerned about, other than to take it down a notch and stop bursting my alveoli so much that it caused allergic reactions (an affect not unlike smoking tobacco!)

[JasonE]

Kelly -

Are you completing these workouts, then immediately resting?

[imported_siameeser]

Thanks Coach,

I'll ask my doctor about it.

[Scott Sonnon]

Kelly,

I truly encourage it. In Russia, there has been startling research connecting extreme 'metabolic conditioning' (eliciting severe aerobic debt) coupled with significant intrathoracic pressure, triggering the onset of asthma.

[imported_siameeser]

Coach Sonnon,

I will look into it. Until the past year (I think consuming raw milk has helped and I'm no longer on medication), I've always suffered from frequent and intense (lots of trouble breathing, but not asthma) allergic reactions. My father had the same issues and fell prey to asthma in his 60s. His attacks are life threatening. The family history worries me.

Coach Erickson,

I'm fine until I stop and rest. No breathing trouble, no coughing, no feeling of having a small rock quarry in my throat. Maybe I should reduce the stress slowly by immediately doing jumping jacks or rowing?

[chris hansen]

I finished a hard bike ride one day that left me coughing for a long time. When I went to the doctor about it I was diagnosed with cancer. You probably don't have to worry about that but I would encourage asking the doctor about it.

[JasonE]

Kelly -

See your doctor about it, but also try using a cooldown period. Your reaction seems linked to a sudden decrease in physical exertion, and it's possible that gradually moving from intense work to relaxation may help. Please share the results of your explorations.

[Jarlo Ilano]

I finished a hard bike ride one day that left me coughing for a long time. When I went to the doctor about it I was diagnosed with cancer. You probably don't have to worry about that but I would encourage asking the doctor about it.

Yes. I have heard too many stories wherein serious medical conditions were discovered from seemingly innocuous beginnings.

It may not be the case for you Kelly, (hopefully!) but better to be safe and ask your doctor about it.

Be aggressive about your health.