why do i always get a cough after hiking trips?
Last month, I finished a 10-day hike along the Portuguese Camino. The scenery was breathtaking—rolling hills, old stone villages, and that salty Atlantic breeze. But as soon as I got home, the same old problem hit me: a stubborn dry cough that just won’t quit. It’s the same story after every big hike, whether it’s Kilimanjaro, Patagonia, or even the West Highland Way. I spend days on the trail feeling great, then come home and get sidelined for almost two weeks, coughing so much I can barely leave the house.
I’ve tried all sorts of cough drops, teas, and over-the-counter meds, but nothing really helps. My family jokes that I’m allergic to coming home! I can’t help but wonder if it’s the stress on my body, the change in climate, or maybe something I’m breathing in out there. It’s frustrating because hiking is supposed to make me healthier, not leave me feeling worse. Has anyone else had this happen after a big trip? I’m starting to dread the aftermath more than the blisters!
#hikinglife #midlifewellness #healthafterhiking #Travel
