Training & Nutrition - Sterss? Panic? Fatigue? What gives?

I have noticed lately that when I go for rides, I feel fine, but later after my ride, I notice my throat feels like it is getting a little constricted. It almost feels like someone gently choking me right at the trachia on the front of my neck. Is this just fatigue? stress? a panic attack? too much caffeine? (I love coffee)

Seriously, what gives? Has anyone had this happen to them? Doesn't feel serious, but is a little annoying. It also seems to very mildly affect breathing, but not to any noticable extent like asthma, etc. I asked my doctor, he just looked at me like, "hmm, I have no idea." He didn't seem too concerned.

it sounds like exersize enduced asthma to me. but of course you know that i'm not a doc. and caffeine never effected me in my throat, only in my chest. if it was a panic attack you would have this happen at other times. as for fatigue...does it only happen after a long hard ride or just about any ride?
I hope you get to the bottom of this.

I get that feeling when I haven't drank enough water. I start feeling like my throat is drying up and constricting. I usually have to drink quite a bit of water to get that feeling to go away.

Koffee

Do you get a rash /hives? Excercise induced asthma usually does not occur an hour after excercise (usually during.) I'd be more concerned about excercise induced angioedema. http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1996/11_96/terrell.htm

Are you riding around traffic more than usual? Sucking in exhaust can do that to ya quickly.

Allergies? It's that time of year.

Allergies? Hey, that may be a factor. I know I get a bit of the mild headaches during pollen season. And it's pollen season.

I also notice it sometimes on the nightshift at work, when I am getting tired and fatigued. Water may also be a factor. I know when I am well hydrated, it doesn't affect me much, but after drinking lots of coffee, and many bathroom visits, I tends to get to me a bit. So, there's another factor.

I suppose it may be a combination of things. Like fatigue, hydration, and allergy season, even though I don't have serious allergies. It just seems to be one of those annoyances that has no single catalyst. I don't think it is asthma, since I regularly pull intervals for 20-30mins at a HR of up to 180bpm, and have no problems. Sometimes a little cough afterwards, but nothing major.

I love my coffee, so I hope I don't have to quit that (hate decaf). I work nightshifts, so I suppose all I can try to get better sleep.

Oh well, I think I will work on maintaining good hydration for a few days and see how that works out.

Allergies? Hey, that may be a factor. I know I get a bit of the mild headaches during pollen season. And it's pollen season.

I also notice it sometimes on the nightshift at work, when I am getting tired and fatigued. Water may also be a factor. I know when I am well hydrated, it doesn't affect me much, but after drinking lots of coffee, and many bathroom visits, I tends to get to me a bit. So, there's another factor.

I suppose it may be a combination of things. Like fatigue, hydration, and allergy season, even though I don't have serious allergies. It just seems to be one of those annoyances that has no single catalyst. I don't think it is asthma, since I regularly pull intervals for 20-30mins at a HR of up to 180bpm, and have no problems. Sometimes a little cough afterwards, but nothing major.

I love my coffee, so I hope I don't have to quit that (hate decaf). I work nightshifts, so I suppose all I can try to get better sleep.

Oh well, I think I will work on maintaining good hydration for a few days and see how that works out.

Does it feel like a lump in your throat? Like hard to swallow?
Does it happen on days when you aren't biking?

I mentioned allergies because I get the same reaction when working in the yard but it's only from certain plants during certain times of the year. You might try some benadryl if that's the case. It knocks some people out, but it's the only thing that really works for me. And since I've always got some residual caffeine in my system, I manage to stay awake.

Yeah, it does kinda feel like a lump, or like someone is gently squeezing my throat. I feel it when swallowing. And yes, it happens on days when not cycling. Weird.

If its what I had - it is weird. My doctor rocks and was able to diagnose it without any tests or anything. What I had was called Globus Hystericus or Globus Sensation. People that get this get somewhat driven nuts over it sometimes. After doing a lot of reading on it I was able to stop it by doing breathing exercises and meditation. What most likely caused it for me was a lot of changes going on in my life (even though most was good) and the stress caused the Globus reaction. Here's more on it from the Merck Manual. See if it sounds like what is up with you (note that most doctors will misdiagnose it):

Globus Sensation
("Lump in the Throat"; Globus Hystericus)
The subjective sensation of a lump or mass in the throat.

No specific etiology or physiologic mechanism has been established. Some studies suggest that elevated cricopharyngeal (upper esophageal sphincter) pressures or abnormal hypopharyngeal motility exists during the time of symptoms. The sensation may result from GERD or from frequent swallowing and drying of the throat associated with anxiety or other emotional states. Although not associated with a specific psychiatric disorder or stress factors, globus may be a symptom of certain mood states (eg, grief, pride, happiness from mastery of hardship), and some persons may have an inherent or learned predisposition to respond in this manner. Suppression of sadness is most often implicated.

Symptoms
Symptoms resemble the normal reaction of being "choked up." With globus, symptoms do not worsen during swallowing, food does not stick in the throat, and eating or drinking often provides relief. There is no pain or weight loss. Chronic symptoms may occur during unresolved or pathologic grief and may be relieved by crying.

Diagnosis
A careful history and physical examination usually exclude disorders that can be confused with globus sensation, including cricopharyngeal (upper esophageal) webs, symptomatic diffuse esophageal spasm, GERD, skeletal muscle disorders (myasthenia gravis, myotonia dystrophica, polymyositis), or mass lesions in the neck or mediastinum causing esophageal compression. True dysphagia must be ruled out, for it suggests a structural or motor disorder of the pharynx or esophagus.

If psychosocial factors have been elicited and the physical examination is negative, a diagnosis of globus is probable; if the diagnosis is still in doubt, a CBC, plain or video-esophagogram, chest x-ray, and esophageal manometry as indicated by the clinical data may exclude other disorders.

Treatment
Treatment involves reassurance and sympathetic concern. No drug is of proven benefit. Underlying depression, anxiety, or other behavioral disturbances should be managed supportively, with psychiatric referral if necessary. At times, communicating to the patient the association between his or her symptoms and mood state can be beneficial.

Ok, let's see.... (meditating)

I'm a happy guy. :)

HEY!!! I feel better already. :D