Drinking and breathing
 

I am not new here. I am trying and trying to stop and sometimes telling myself that I can control my drinking. I really don't know where I am at the moment. I do feel very strongly that my fitness is important and have lost weight over the last three/four years and have been running for about 20 years (am in my fifties). Lately I have found myself really finding it hard to breathe when I run. My usual run is 4-6 miles and recently I have done around half that and have had to stop two or three times in the course of even that kind of short run. Does anyone know if there is a connection between drinking and reduced respiratory capacity? I have certainly noticed over a long period of time that I get cold type symptoms: sneezing, congestion, etc and always notice that it's harder to run if I've been drinking a lot (as I often do). I'd be interested to know if anyone knows of any actual evidence of this, although I'm certainly going to put it to the test and see if cutting down/quitting helps in this specific way.

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There is a relationship between cardiovascular disease and alcohol so more pressure on your heart which would tire you earlier. I'm no doctor, just my opinion.

I think that talking to your dr is the way to go on this. I hope you find an answer.

Everyone should see a doctor regularly, especially who drink to excess.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/866727

Another vote for the Dr - that way if there is a problem you'll know what it is.

D

See your doctor for a complete physical exam. Tell him your symptoms and let him or her do tests of organ functions, especially the lungs.

Congratulations on your efforts to stop drinking. As for your breathing difficulties please go and see the doctor as soon as you can, and tell him/her the full truth about how much you drink (I mention that because it's hard for many of us).

Drinking definitely does something to the lungs,I remember having hot,vapory air coming out of my lungs,creepy

Alcohol is heavily expelled through the lungs (as to how breathalyzers work) at 50, and likely years of beating your body up with alcohol looks like is taking it's toll. Now is the time to stop.

Alcohol can cause throat cancer so I'm sure it must affect breathing
Xoxo
Be safe!

Yes, please see a doctor. Turned out "I" had a genetic heart defect (wasn't even related to my past drinking days) I had problems getting back into the "running" program. Used to run six miles a day, every day, now, I get winded walking stairs :(

Thanks to all those who have shared their personal experience :)

As a general reminder - can I ask that guesses and diagnoses, however informed and well intentioned, not be given here?

It goes against our medical advice rule

We are a peer support group here. We simply cannot give medical advice. You need to see a medical professional for that.

Thanks for your understanding :)


Dee
Moderator
SR

Hello,

I agree that a trip to the doctor as soon as possible is a good plan. Also, you can stop drinking now and start building up that sober time.