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Hi For The Past 15 Years On And Off I

Posted on Thu, 27 Aug 2020

Question: Hi for the past 15 years on and off I have been experiencing episodes of air hunger (constantly feel the need to take a deep breath or sigh). I have been to lots of drs during episodes. The episodes can last anywhere from a few weeks to a month or two and then simply disappear. I have had a holter monitor test and echo was cleared by cardiologist. My pulmonologist diagnosed me with asthma and put me on pulmicort. My allergist believes that I have a vocal cord dysfunction due to a flattening of my flow volume loop. My inhaler provided little relief during these times and I notice an increase in symptoms when stressed. My 02 level is always normal and my peak flow is always within 80%. What can cause this awful sensation and how can it be remied?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of stress and anxiety related air hunger is more likely

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I have gone through the detailed history you have given.
I can understand your concern.
May I see your PFT report?
Was it with bronchodilator reversiblity?
In my opinion, you are mostly having stress and anxiety related air hunger.
So please let me know
1. Do you have stressful lifestyle?
2. Are you approaching menopause?
3. Have you ever consulted psychiatrist or put on anxiolytic drug?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions so that I can guide you better about medicines and investigations.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (8 minutes later)

Hi Thanks for the reply
I do not have access to PFT
I am 44 years old and have never been put on anxiety meds
I do experience a sensation of mucus in my throat with a feeling of tightness
can anxiety increase mucus production?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No, anxiety can not cause mucus production.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
No, anxiety can not cause mucus production.
What about menopause?
Do you have normal menstrual cycle or it is getting delayed?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (17 minutes later)

My periods are regular and not delayed
Can GERD increase sense of mucus in throat giving sensation that its hard to breath

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, GERD can cause mucus in throat.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
Sorry for late reply as I was sleeping.
Now I am free.
Yes, GERD can cause mucus in throat.
But it will also cause belching or burping or central burning chest pain.
May I know if you have any of the above mentioned symptoms of GERD?
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks. Sorry again for late reply.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Yes I do I was diagnosed as having GERD after endoscopy two year ago even though taking medication symptoms seem to come and gAlso one last question regarding pulmicort how long until you see results have been taking for two weeks

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should take pulmicort for atleast 1 month.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
So you should definitely do lifestyle modifications along with medicines for GERD control.
You should also continue pulmicort for more 2-3 weeks to see it's effectiveness.
Are you following lifestyle modifications for GERD?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (21 minutes later)

Just really started to follow lifestyle modification in conjunction with medication

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
May I know what lifestyle modifications you are following?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
Good. May I know which lifestyle modifications you are following?
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (8 hours later)

I have raised bed also stop eating three hours before I go to bed. Upon waking I also notice congestion increase in mucus. Could breathing difficulty be related to post nasal drip which in turn creates false feeling of suffocation inducing panic?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, this can be possible.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question.
I can understand your concern.

Yes, this can be possible.
And, go walking after meals especially dinner.
At least 30 minutes of walk post-dinner is beneficial.

Quit tea or coffee or other caffeinated drinks for the time being.
Avoid oily and spicy food, avoid junk food.
Avoid smoking and alcohol if at all do.

I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee