Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Tight & Heavy Feeling In The Chest Followed By Dry Cough?
I have had mild asthma for 20+ yrs until the past couple years I haven t used medication other than an allergy tablet. The past 2 yrs I have tried inhaled steroids (lower resp. Infection occurs w/in 7-14 days each time so my Dr told me not to use them anymore ) I just moved out of state & the doctors here just want me on steroids with no other options. Using the albuterol inhaler has my blood pressure way up, I still feel short of breathe, My O2 levels are 100%, chest xrays clear. Tight heavy feeling in my chest (cardiac work up was clear) scratchy irritated feeling when I breathe, no mucus, dry cough. Hot steam from the shower helps a lot but I can t live in there so is there something else I can try.
Wed, 18 Feb 2015
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:
1. As you are not comfortable with inhaled corticosteroids, I would first suggest you regular montelukast. If you have nose symptoms also, I would prescribe my such patients levocetirizine + montelukast.
2. I would also suggest you spirometry testing with post-bronchodilator reversibility, which helps to know your lung capacity, condition of airways and type of obstructions you could have. It also helps to decide whether you need regular medications/inhalers or using Albuterol inhaler on as-and-when-needed basis would be enough.
3. If you require regular medications and you don't want to use inhaled corticosteroids, other options (apart from montelukast) are inhaled tiotropium bromide, oral theophylline, etc. However, they can be less effective than inhaled corticosteroids and/or can have some side effects. Also, they are prescription drugs and you need to discuss pros and cons with your doctor in detail.
4. As you have dry cough also, regular warm saline gargles will help. If you have nose symptoms also, I would also suggest you regular steam inhalation, which would improve your airways in a long run.
5. In general, please avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution as much as possible.
6. Regular physical exercises (including breathing exercises) and nutritious diet rich in vitamins & minerals will also help you in a long run by improving your lung capacity and immunity respectively.
Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.
Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.
Wish you the best of the health ahead.
Thank you & Regards.
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:
1. As you are not comfortable with inhaled corticosteroids, I would first suggest you regular montelukast. If you have nose symptoms also, I would prescribe my such patients levocetirizine + montelukast.
2. I would also suggest you spirometry testing with post-bronchodilator reversibility, which helps to know your lung capacity, condition of airways and type of obstructions you could have. It also helps to decide whether you need regular medications/inhalers or using Albuterol inhaler on as-and-when-needed basis would be enough.
3. If you require regular medications and you don't want to use inhaled corticosteroids, other options (apart from montelukast) are inhaled tiotropium bromide, oral theophylline, etc. However, they can be less effective than inhaled corticosteroids and/or can have some side effects. Also, they are prescription drugs and you need to discuss pros and cons with your doctor in detail.
4. As you have dry cough also, regular warm saline gargles will help. If you have nose symptoms also, I would also suggest you regular steam inhalation, which would improve your airways in a long run.
5. In general, please avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution as much as possible.
6. Regular physical exercises (including breathing exercises) and nutritious diet rich in vitamins & minerals will also help you in a long run by improving your lung capacity and immunity respectively.
Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.
Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.
Wish you the best of the health ahead.
Thank you & Regards.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....