MoD,

I bet you have become out of shape and are just experiencing strain from that. It might be worth telling your doctor, just in case there is something else wrong. I used to get out of breath because I was holding my breath. Go figure.

Regarding your nasal congestion. Have you ever been checked for a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates ? I had surgery for both a year ago. It has totally changed the way I breath. I don't get the nasal congestion I had struggled with for 50+ years. Enlarged turbinates can be a family trait.

The surgery is a simple outpatient procedure that takes 45 minutes or so. There is a common report after surgery. At day three, people say, "Why did it do this?" At 2 weeks, people say, "Why didn't I do this years ago ?" If the surgery is just to reduce the turbinates, it is not as uncomfortable.