Exercise when you have a cough: keep training or take a break?

Ambitious amateur athletes are surely familiar with this scenario: the next run is coming up, the gym workout for the week has already been planned, and the football match against the league leaders is waiting for the weekend. But your respiratory tract has other plans and is demanding a break with dry or productive coughing fits. But should you now give up exercise and sport altogether?

Should you refrain from exercise or continue training when you have a cough?

It is not easy to say whether exercise is possible when you have a cough or whether it is better to take a break, because not all coughs are the same. And when it comes to exercise, the type and intensity of the activity also play a role. The most important thing is to determine the cause of the cough: is it a harmless protective reaction or a flu-like infection?

When is it possible to exercise when you have a cough?

Coughing is naturally annoying at first, but it is also an effective mechanism for protecting our airways, which can occur even without an infection or cold. You have probably experienced this before: when you choke or overuse your voice, our body often reacts with a cough. In such cases, there is usually no reason not to exercise as usual. However, it makes sense to give your body a short break to calm down after a coughing fit, as this can be quite exhausting.

When should you refrain from exercising when you have a cough?

If your cough is accompanied by a cold or flu-like infection, it is best to play it safe and take a break from exercise for a few days. Now it's time to wait and see how the symptoms develop. If the cough gets worse and you develop a fever or aching limbs, you should definitely wait to exercise until the symptoms have subsided and you have fully recovered.

A cough with phlegm, for example, can also be a sign of acute bronchitis, in which case your trainers should stay in the cupboard for the time being. Similarly, a sore throat or swollen lymph nodes are clear signs that your immune system is working overtime. You can actively support your body's defences with rest and home remedies. Prospan, a herbal medicine with its special-ivy-extract EA 575, can help you relieve coughs and bronchitis quickly and effectively.

Rule of thumb for exercise when you have a cough or cold

If you have a mild cold with only mild symptoms, a little exercise can actually do you good. A walk in the fresh air, gentle yoga or a short bike ride will get your circulation going and do your body and soul good. However, it is important not to overdo it and not to put too much strain on your circulation.

There is a simple rule of thumb for exercise when you have a cough, which can serve as a helpful guide if you are unsure: as long as the symptoms are only ‘above the throat’ – such as a runny nose or a slight sore throat – gentle, light exercise is usually not a problem.

If, on the other hand, the symptoms occur “below the throat”, such as a cough, chest pain, aching limbs or fever, it is time to take a break. The body now needs rest in order to recover. Exercise and strenuous activity would be counterproductive and, in the worst case, could even cause serious harm.

When can you resume exercise after a cough?

If the cough was only mild and the symptoms subsided quickly, it is advisable to resume exercise cautiously. Gentle activities such as walking or light stretching are recommended at first, followed by a gradual increase in intensity.

After a severe cold or bronchitis, it is better to take a break for at least one to two weeks – even if you already feel fit again. Especially if you still have a dry cough, it may be advisable to wait a few days longer, as the mucous membranes are still irritated and sensitive.

Herbal medicines can help you get back to your usual level of physical activity more quickly – Prospan provides noticeable and proven fast relief¹ from coughs and bronchitis.