How can heavy breathing be treated?

Q: I am a 34 years old man suffering from heavy breathing while walking and sitting for the past 2 months. While running I breathe heavy but eventually the breathing stabilises. I am a long distance runner. I have done 2 full marathons and 8 half marathons so far and I want to go for another marathon next year. I have put on weight despite regular running, which may be because of changes in my lifestyle. Is the heavy breathing due to the weight gain? Will it subside once I am back to complete marathon training mode?

A:Your heavier breathing could be, as you suggested, due to your recent lifestyle changes. But do assess whether the following could be responsible:

• Increased levels of pollution
• Extreme weather conditions
• Changed area/place of exercise (or indoors)
• Suggested check-up of upper respiratory ailments

You can also include a longer period of a warm up so as to help you ease into your routine. This will also help you build your aerobic capacity in a steady fashion. And like you said, as you train, you should find a noticeable change.