Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:
1. It is good that your
spirometry is normal, I assume it was done with a "post-
bronchodilator study". In that case, I would think your cause of feeling breathing difficulties may be nose obstruction.
2. I would agree that decongestant sprays (which "open" a congested nose) should not be used for long time, they can cause rebound symptoms upon discontinuation.
3. Were I treating you, I would prescribe you intranasal
corticosteroids (mometasone or
fluticasone) for at least 14 days. I would also prescribe you
montelukast and
levocetirizine for 28 days.
4. I would suggest you to use an inhaler like salbutamol for breathing difficulty symptoms on as-and-when-needed basis only.
5. Allergy testing for common air-borne allergens like house dust mites, indoor molds, regional pollens, insect proteins and pet danders (if you have pet) will be useful to identify the substances causing allergies to you as well as to know the measures to avoid them.
Based on allergy testing, an Allergist-Immunologist may prescribe you allergen specific
immunotherapy which gradually improves allergy symptoms by working on immune system.
6. Regular breathing exercises, physical activity and a healthy diet rich in vitamins & minerals will also help you in a long run by improving your lung capacity and immunity respectively.
7. In general, I would suggest you to avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution as much as possible.
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.