Yes, just do a Google search on exercise induced asthma, which you might already have done, and you'll learn it's quite common, even for people who haven't had any asthma symptoms in the past. I have problems too, and only recently admitted to myself it is most likely asthma, although with me it's more upper airway swelling/constriction, followed by violent coughing afterward. I don't feel as though I'm gasping for air, like many people.

Interestingly, I just read a New York Times article online yesterday which talked about asthma symptoms having more to do with getting too MUCH oxygen (like hyperventilating), caused by the very deep, forceful breaths that we take when we're really exerting ourselves. Too much O2 means too little CO2 in your lungs, upsetting some acid balance (I don't remember the exact term they used) and triggering a bronchospasm. If you think about it, most of us know about people being given a paper bag to breathe into when they're hyperventilating, to recycle carbon dioxide into their lungs. The NYT article talked about a shallow breathing technique that has been very helpful for people with chronic, severe asthma, improving their O2 / CO2 balance and reducing their need for steroidal drugs and inhalers. Interesting!!

As for my symptoms, I have found I have less problems if I breathe thru my nose for as long as I can (trapping more CO2 and not letting too much O2 in), although eventually I have to breathe thru my mouth (which is normal). Then I try to take a couple quick breaths thru my nose whenever I can manage it. Last week in a workout group we ran 300m repeats in 26-degree weather, and the exertion plus the cold, dry air usually triggers my coughing problem. But I ran a little easier than normal, breathed thru my nose a lot, and I didn't have any symptoms whatsoever. That was a big victory for me. This morning, it was about the same temp (28 degrees) but we were doing 200m repeats, which meant I'd be running at a faster pace. not able to breathe thru my nose as much. I ran harder than last week and had some coughing today, but relatively little compared to past episodes. I feel like I'm getting a handle on it and figuring out how to prevent or minimize it. I'd like to avoid getting a prescription tor an inhaler, as I've never used one and am not too eager to start.

If/when you have that problem again, slow down and try taking some shallow breaths thru your nose (it can't hurt to try it). Others might recommend that both of us see a doctor -- but as for myself I'm going to keep experimenting.