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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Bronchitis/Fits of coughing
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This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis
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Bronchitis/Fits of coughing
by pegdoll, Dec 13, 2003 12:00AM
Hello! Last year I had this same problem. After having a cold the cough hung on for a while. Finally the cough was gone except for at night (I'm guessing because the air is cold because when I put the blankets over my nose it's easier to breath with out coughing). Out of the blue with no warning at all I get this awful tickel at the back of my throat or even deeper. I have such a bad uncontrolable coughing fit. My eyes water, and I can hardly breath. I feel like I can't get enough oxygen. I even pee my pants. Some times I cough so hard I feel like I will throw up. My husband sister is a Pediatrician and she said that I had Bronchitis and perscribed albuterol inhalation aerosol. I want to get your opinion because I'm not so sure that I have it since I don't have a constant cough and I don't cough up mucus.
Thanks In advance!
Michelle <><
Thanks In advance!
Michelle <><
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Dec 18, 2003 12:00AM
, Dec 18, 2003 12:00AM
Bronchitis is swelling and inflammation in the airways of the lungs. Symptoms can include cough with mucus, chest discomfort, fever, and/or extreme tiredness. It is often caused by an infection, which can be due to bacteria or a virus.
Viral infections like a cold or bronchitis can cause inflammation of the airways of the lungs. Usually when this occurs, you will cough when you inhale cold air. This inflammation can cause coughing. After the cold is gone, it is possible for the inflammation to linger. This inflammation can last for several weeks. Sometimes this inflammation may linger for 3 to 6 months. Eventually the inflammation will go away, and then the coughing will stop. This is called reactive airways disease (RAD) and behaves a lot like asthma. When this inflammation is treated with an inhaled steroid, which is used to treat asthma, it often clears more quickly. Sometimes an inhaled bronchodilator, like albuterol inhalation aerosol, may help.
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities. It is possible that the same germ that has infected your lungs has infected your sinuses. This could be the cause of the tickle at the back of your throat or even deeper. A CT scan of the sinuses is the best way to identify sinusitis.
Viral infections like a cold or bronchitis can cause inflammation of the airways of the lungs. Usually when this occurs, you will cough when you inhale cold air. This inflammation can cause coughing. After the cold is gone, it is possible for the inflammation to linger. This inflammation can last for several weeks. Sometimes this inflammation may linger for 3 to 6 months. Eventually the inflammation will go away, and then the coughing will stop. This is called reactive airways disease (RAD) and behaves a lot like asthma. When this inflammation is treated with an inhaled steroid, which is used to treat asthma, it often clears more quickly. Sometimes an inhaled bronchodilator, like albuterol inhalation aerosol, may help.
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinus cavities. It is possible that the same germ that has infected your lungs has infected your sinuses. This could be the cause of the tickle at the back of your throat or even deeper. A CT scan of the sinuses is the best way to identify sinusitis.
As you'll note, the majority of the posts here are very similiar to yours. People coughing with uncontrolable fits that usually occur at night or early in the morning. Alot of this could be associated with post nasal drip. If your airways are sensitive, you will cough. And you can cough and cough and cough until you become laryngospastic! Thats the choking-gagging-can't breath 'til your eyes water feeling. Not pleasant, eh?
Try reading through some of the posts where NJC-R.N. has posted. She copy/pasted some valuable information regarding bronchitis and post nasal drip.
As far as your albuterol medicine goes, it should find a convenient spot in your top sock drawer.
-Andy, RRT,CPFT
If not, I would go to a good Pulmonologist (lung specialist doc), and get carefully examined, and get a chest Xray, blood gases, etc.
I think it's better to be seen by a good doc, and not "diagnosed" by telephone, or by internet... Good luck to you! I hope you feel better, soon!
Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com
Please be careful when advising people here. Being a respiratory therapist for over 14 years, I try not to over diagnose or over advise any of the questions people ask here. I have read the disclaimer on this forum several times. I suggest you do the same.
Seeking a lung specialist for a pneumonia or whats probably only the common chest cold is completely excessive. A general practitioner is suffice. Also, obtaining arterial blood gasses in this case is completely uncalled for. A nonproductive cough is NOT an indication for an ABG.
I'm going to assume you have no professional medical background. I understand that this website is for informational purposes only, and not to be regarded as giving medical advice. However, sometimes we slip (including myself). I understand that you have extensive experience with VCD and I appreciate the help you give others, but this certainly does not make you an expert at pulmonary disorders. If you are going to advise or recommend something, you need to be sure of your comments.
Andy
I have seen several GP's disagree on the same patient's diagnoses, and I've found that sometimes it is desirable to not delay, and it's best to go see an expert (specialist), to get an accurate diagnosis.
In fact, this is not uncommon. It is also common for experts (specialists) to not always agree, concerning diagnosis & treatment methods. This can also be true in the ER/Emergency Room.
I trust patients to generally be able to tell whether their GP is good enough to diagnose them, or, whether they may need an expert/specialist, to help the patient get accurately diagnosed, and get better, as soon as possible.
I think there's room for more than one opinion, right?
http://www.aafp.org/afp/980315ap/hueston.html Acute Bronchitis
Excerpts:
"Differential Diagnosis
Many conditions other than acute bronchitis present with cough (Table 1). Acute bronchitis or pneumonia can present with fever, constitutional symptoms and a productive cough.
..........................
Asthma and allergic bronchospastic disorders, such as allergic aspergillosis or bronchospasm due to other environmental and
occupational exposures, can mimic the productive cough of acute bronchitis. When obstructive symptoms are not obvious, mild
asthma may be diagnosed as acute bronchitis.
.........
Upper respiratory tract infection