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How soon to get on the bike after viral sinusitis and bronchitis?

by DaveE128
Thu, Oct 08, 2015 20:58
6

So, I'm getting very frustrated with not being able to ride at the moment, having had a nasty virus leading to sinusitis, laryngitis, conjunctivitis and bronchitis! 31

After 3 weeks I'm nearly over it, with just the tail end of the cough, a slightly croaky voice and draining sinuses left over, and I'm itching to get out on the bike. 45 However, I've been too quick to do this several times in the past, and ended up even more ill than before. I'm feeling pretty weak.

Anyone got any wisdom on when it's safe to start riding, what HR zones to work in, any signs to stop, etc? Saw the doc today and they weren't much help - just said "be sensible" basically... Apparently my chest sounds clear at least, which it certainly wasn't before.

Very frustrating as my fitness was getting pretty good (for me) before getting sick. 2

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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6 comments

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DaveE128 | 9 years ago
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Lol, bikeitis. Thanks for the thought guys. Just taken my resting hr and found it's 15 BPM faster than usual. I think this means I should give it a bit longer 7

Anyone got any idea what HR % to stay below when I start back on the bike?

This is one evil cold. Suspect reduced sleep from new arrival probably has something to do with it! (No, not over excited about a new bike - baby number 3 I mean!)

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Simon E replied to DaveE128 | 9 years ago
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DaveE128 wrote:

Lol, bikeitis. Thanks for the thought guys. Just taken my resting hr and found it's 15 BPM faster than usual. I think this means I should give it a bit longer 7

Yes, you should. Take the experiences of CXR94Di2 and 2 Wheeled Idiot seriously.

DaveE128 wrote:

Anyone got any idea what HR % to stay below when I start back on the bike?

Brief zone 1 rides until you're 100% sorted.

And like BBRAP says, no cold mornings - as little strain on your cardio system as possible without being a complete couch potato. This is not like a normal head cold/man-flu. But don't worry, patience will be rewarded, your fitness will return quite quickly once you're back in the groove.

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CXR94Di2 replied to DaveE128 | 9 years ago
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DaveE128 wrote:

Lol, bikeitis. Thanks for the thought guys. Just taken my resting hr and found it's 15 BPM faster than usual. I think this means I should give it a bit longer 7

Anyone got any idea what HR % to stay below when I start back on the bike?

This is one evil cold. Suspect reduced sleep from new arrival probably has something to do with it! (No, not over excited about a new bike - baby number 3 I mean!)

Don't worry about heart rate just slightly elevated breathing above normal should be fine.

zone 2. Or if you must have a number 120-140bpm depending on age (very much a guess for each individual)

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BBRAP | 9 years ago
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If you are tempted to go out I'd wait until at least mid day so things can warm up a bit. Start with a 10 or 15 minute ride to see how things are and then judge how you feel. As others have said it's better to take your time and not cause a relapse. I usually find that any sort of bike ride at this time of year causes a massive runny nose (not that you want to hear that) due to the change of temperature. I always have a warm shower once back (even for a short 30 min ride) as that seems to stop the dripping nose and ensures that extremities are back at their proper warmth.

P.S. You missed bikeitis off your list of ailments, sorry to say this but there is no cure 21

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2 Wheeled Idiot | 9 years ago
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For something that severe rather than a normal cold, wait at least a week after you are feeling back to 'right'. This just makes sure there is nothing lingering and always take it gently and take a week or two to build back up to full riding.
I know from experience how bad a 4 month long cold can be from trying to get on the bike too soon (also hindered by crohns and the associated immunosuppressant), so trust me, a week extra may suck but not that bad in the long run

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CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
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Ilness happens. Chest infections need to clear up before intense exercise is undertaken or you risk a relapse and pushing the infection deep into your lungs. I would start gentle riding for short periods and see how you feel.

I have been off the bike for nearly a month once to clear a chest infection. After several gentle rides you should start to feel your lungs clearing of the remaining crap left from the infection. IF you start to feel unwell again stop riding and wait.

Keep moving though as total inactivity doesn't help you clear your lungs, walks in the warm sun not in damp cold evening air

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