Why does my throat burn after walking?

Woman from behind in sportswear walking on the road in the city.

Many of you have experienced this unpleasant sensation of having the throat on fire after a walk. Although this may seem trivial, it is important to understand where this phenomenon comes from to better avoid it in the future. Between the Air pollution , allergies, or underlying health issues—the causes are varied. Let's discover together what the reasons for this pain might be and how to treat it.

You can also discover our complete guide to avoiding respiratory problems linked to pollution .

How does polluted air affect your throat?

It is not uncommon to feel a throat irritation When walking in highly polluted environments, fine particles in urban air easily enter our respiratory tracts, causing various discomforts, including the infamous sore throat.

There Air pollution , composed of nitrogen dioxide, ozone and microparticles, contributes greatly to irritating the throat. These aggressive components can cause pain similar to that caused by a viral infection . Breathing in this pollutant-laden air while you walk puts a strain on your airways.

What are the effects of climate change on our breathing?

THE Climate change , which is responsible for many climatic fluctuations, can also affect your comfort while walking. The dryness of the air due to rising temperatures accentuates the effects of pollution. In addition, drier air will amplify throat irritations, especially in those who suffer from allergies or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) .

Other climate-related factors can also impact air quality. Increasingly frequent wildfires contribute to the presence of harmful fumes in the atmosphere, acting as powerful irritants to your lungs and throat even during a simple walk. Therefore, it's essential to stay informed about pollution levels and take the necessary precautions before heading out.

What other causes of a burning throat after walking?

Besides pollution, several other factors can contribute to this burning sensation in the throat. These include gastric reflux and various infections. Thus, even without apparent symptoms, some individuals may experience this problem frequently.

For example, the acid reflux GERD-related reflux can seriously irritate the throat. When they occur while walking, they often cause an intense burning sensation. In addition, stress and anxiety often increase the frequency of these reflux episodes, intensifying inflammatory reactions in the throat.

The impact of allergies and smoking

Airborne allergens, such as pollen, can also exacerbate irritation. As you breathe deeply while walking, these particles can trigger an exaggerated immune response, swelling and irritating your throat.

In addition, the Smoking , whether active or passive, significantly affects the condition of your throat. Cigarette smoke contains many chemical irritants that damage the lining of the airways. In this context, walking in areas where smoking is permitted may only aggravate symptoms already present in susceptible individuals.

What solutions can you use to avoid a burning throat after walking?

Preventing a sore throat sometimes just requires a few simple adjustments to your daily routine. Here are several effective strategies you can implement to protect your respiratory health on your next outing.

  • Wear a anti-pollution mask suitable for limiting the inhalation of fine particles.
  • Avoid areas with high concentrations of pollutants, especially during times of peak pollution.
  • Keep yourself well hydrated throughout the day to keep your airways moist.
  • If you suffer from GERD, try to control your diet before a walk to prevent reflux.
  • Use saline nasal sprays to clear your airways after exposure to a polluted environment.

The anti-pollution mask: is it effective?

Faced with the soaring air pollution in many cities, the port of anti-pollution mask seems to be a viable solution. Indeed, these modern masks effectively filter many harmful particles thanks to their specialized multi-layer structure.

However, not all masks are created equal. Make sure you choose a mask with adequate filtration capacity, such as N95 or FFP2 certified models, to ensure effective protection against fine particles and pathogens. While masks may not be practical for prolonged outdoor wear, they do offer a significant protective barrier for those concerned about the harmful effects of urban pollution.

Some masks, such as those from r-pur, offer patented filtration technology superior to the FFP3 standard, filtering even the finest particles (PM 0.05).

Discover the mask with filter from r-pur to protect your throat when walking .

Blonde woman wearing a helmet and a black anti-pollution mask on her face. She is wearing a jacket and a sweater.

Take care of your throat naturally

In addition to preventative measures, taking care of your throat is essential to reduce these burning sensations. Using home remedies or natural products can provide quick relief.

Soothing hot herbal teas made with honey and lemon are popular options for soothing the throat. Honey Not only does it provide a protective coating to the mucous membrane, but it also has beneficial antibacterial properties. In addition, inhaling steam or diffusing slightly mentholated water greatly helps to clarify the air passage for optimal remission.

Relieve with homeopathic or herbal remedies

Using homeopathic herbs or supplements often provides satisfactory results when it comes to calming inflammation. These include echinacea, which is known to boost the immune system, thus reducing the occurrence of viral infections. or bacterial.

Ultimately, if pain persists despite these different approaches, it might be wise to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions such as a severe allergy or chronic respiratory condition.

You can also discover

homme d'une trentaine d'année sans barbe et cheveux chatains

Alexandre Le Boucher - CEO, R-PUR

As someone who cycles every day, I am exposed to odorless and invisible air pollution. The impact that the R-PUR cycling mask has had on my health means that I will never go back.

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