saddlesniffer

Hello everyone. Noob here. I have been riding for about 2 years now. I also just turned 50 years young. I love everything about riding except I seem to develop a lot of phlegm during my rides. I am always spitting out pieces of phlegm as I ride. Is this normal? I always make sure no one is around when I let one fly but if I start to get into group rides I don't want people to get disgusted by me. Anything I can do about it? I don't smoke or drink lots of alcohol. Maybe 1 or 2 beers a month. Thanks

WhyFi

It's not unusual. Keep doing what you're doing - let it fly, but check before you do so. If you're in a group, save it 'til you're on the back or move well off to the side.

genejockey 

As Tom Jones sang, it's not unusual. However, at the moment it is highly discouraged to simply let fly - I mean, here in the SF Bay Area, it is specifically forbidden! So I've had to learn not to. Wash 'em down with your drink.

Worse than that is snotrockets. There's not a self-contained solution for that.

datlas 

Saddlesniffer??



But on topic, excess snot is common. Suck it down or eject when on back of group. If riding solo do whatever you like.

Cyclist0108

I agree with genejockey

Now (during the pandemic) is a good time to find a safer alternative.

MoAlpha

There's a few calories in those mucopolysaccharides and some water too!

DrIsotope

It's mostly water. Air being blasted into your eyes causes tear ducts to go into overdrive. Many of those tears drain into your sinuses, then right out the ol' noseholes. Just let 'em fly.

Wholly unsurprising that spittin' is illegal in SF. Poopin' in the street? A-OK. Line drawn at spittin'.

bargo68 

Awesome first post!

genejockey 

Um, Pandemic? Deadly contagious respiratory virus? Ring a bell?

Cyclist7485

Just to be sure, consider getting a consult with a pulmonologist. If you think that the mucous production is excessive, then it’s probably a good idea to make certain that you don’t have asthma or exercise induced asthma. They might give you one of these handy little Froome-Boosters to carry in your back pocket!

DrIsotope

You would basically have to first be infected, and then spit directly in another person's face. At no point in any post have I ever recommended or condoned spitting in another person's face.

genejockey 

Or produce a cloud of spittle that the next person rides through, and since they're breathing deep, sucks into their lungs.

In any case, the rule from the County is part of the COVID restrictions, not a general rule. If it were, I'd be in deep doodoo for years of violations.

canklecat

If it's excessive see an allergist/immunologist.

My allergies and exertion related asthma (yeah, it's a real thing) got so ridiculous last autumn I quit most group rides. I was hacking up at least a pint of phlegm every ride. Even I thought it was disgusting. All clear drainage, no infection, but the amount was like a geyser of snot. And a lot of sinus inflammation pain.

Zyrtec, diclofenac, Sudafed, Flonase and albuterol weren't cutting it anymore. My GP doc suggested Xyzal and plain enteric aspirin, which helped some.

After the pandemic hit I decided I'd better get it checked out by a specialist. Full workup, skin prick tests, etc. No severe reaction to any of the usual allergens, just a weird side effect of an old auto immune disorder I've had for decades.

The doc switched me to more effective inhalers. Problem solved. I'm using ipratropium bromide nasal inhaler, an anticholinergic rather than an antihistamine or steroid. Really helped reduce the clear drainage, without drying me out completely. And Asmanex inhalers for regular use, rather than using my albuterol rescue inhalers for daily use.

I still get some congestion but try to avoid Sudafed and ephedrine since those mess with my heart rate and blood pressure. I mostly use Breathe Right strips and similar external adhesive strips that open up the nasal passages a bit. There's also the Rhinomed Turbine, a nasal insert that does the same thing. Helps a bit since I have a deviated septum from boxing.

Carbonfiberboy 

My nose runs like crazy, always did. Much better after a few decades of riding, but still does, worse in cold weather. I get Nasty Mustache. I also get phlegm, but only the day after, never during. My guess is that it's summer and allergies. You could try OTC cetirizine hydrochloride 20mg, 1/day. Should help. As others have said. always swallow, never spit.

saddlesniffer

Thank you everyone for the advice. I will try the inhaler to see if that helps. I am prone to allergies in the spring so I will see how it goes. Ride On!!

genejockey 

In case nobody mentioned it above, a lot of folks riding in group rides spit straight down between the handlebars and the pedals.

caloso

A) it's normal.
B) if you feel you have to eject it, please drop off the back before doing so.

sirjag

I have same issue as OP.....but its totally the allergies and massive bong rips prior to ridding!

JAG