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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Can allergy stop me from breathing?
Answered by
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
Can allergy stop me from breathing?
by crystalfresh, Jul 02, 2007 12:00AM
Hello.
Male age 33. Avg. BP 120/75, 65pulse-constant. Severe breathing problems. I am allergic to pollens, pets, molds, insects.
Antibotics, no help.
(when not on meds)
Nasal:
Stuffy nose
Nasal drip / gushing thick mucas when outside.
Breathing:
Wheezing
Choking
Sore red throat
Long shallow breathing
* Tight chest / sore from straining.
Also from fumes, smoke, pet smells.
Don't have: Baffles allergists office leading to a concludition of anxiety.
No runny nose.
No watery eyes.
No sneezing.
I was told allergies -nasal, breathing problems -anxiety.
I had an asthma test, results negative.
Use a hepa respirator every day-(desperate), stops the reactions!!
I wake from sleep sometimes wheezing or tightness but inhaler fixes that.
New recently.
I am taking meds regardless of the anxiety diagnosis by my allergists office and they work. Was told meds work only mentally to calm the anxiety. Allergists office suggests the cure is a Psychiatrist.
Taking daily.
Non-drowsy Antihistamine - Releaves tightness.
Cromolyn Nebulizer - Reduces soreness / choking.
NasalCrom nasal spray - Rinitis.
Albuterol - Open air ways, stop wheezing.
My pharmacists told me use of inhalers 2-4 times daily it is too much so I cut back resulting in not going outside again. Please advise options. Thank you so much.
Male age 33. Avg. BP 120/75, 65pulse-constant. Severe breathing problems. I am allergic to pollens, pets, molds, insects.
Antibotics, no help.
(when not on meds)
Nasal:
Stuffy nose
Nasal drip / gushing thick mucas when outside.
Breathing:
Wheezing
Choking
Sore red throat
Long shallow breathing
* Tight chest / sore from straining.
Also from fumes, smoke, pet smells.
Don't have: Baffles allergists office leading to a concludition of anxiety.
No runny nose.
No watery eyes.
No sneezing.
I was told allergies -nasal, breathing problems -anxiety.
I had an asthma test, results negative.
Use a hepa respirator every day-(desperate), stops the reactions!!
I wake from sleep sometimes wheezing or tightness but inhaler fixes that.
New recently.
I am taking meds regardless of the anxiety diagnosis by my allergists office and they work. Was told meds work only mentally to calm the anxiety. Allergists office suggests the cure is a Psychiatrist.
Taking daily.
Non-drowsy Antihistamine - Releaves tightness.
Cromolyn Nebulizer - Reduces soreness / choking.
NasalCrom nasal spray - Rinitis.
Albuterol - Open air ways, stop wheezing.
My pharmacists told me use of inhalers 2-4 times daily it is too much so I cut back resulting in not going outside again. Please advise options. Thank you so much.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jul 03, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 03, 2007 12:00AM
What would be most helpful, in your circumstance, would be objective data. That is, physician observation of the symptoms you are having and careful physical examination, at the time you are actively experiencing the symptoms. You should keep an open mind to the possibility that you may have anxiety superimposed on your alleged allergic symptoms.
You mention 'an asthma test with negative results.' We cannot know what that test was, but your testing should include allergy testing, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and, perhaps, a methacholine challenge. Your relief of symptoms is encouraging – it could be both a physiologic effect and an emotional, calming effect and if it provides relief, you should adhere to the prescribed medical regimen. You should also relay the pharmacist’s advice to your allergist and give credence to his/her response. It is inappropriate for you to cut back on your medicines, especially when they seem beneficial, without consultation with your doctor.
Anxiety can present as physical symptoms. Your note suggests that your allergist has a strong opinion about the effects of anxiety. You might want to consider the possibility that his/her assessment is correct. Another option would be for you to seek a second opinion.
You mention 'an asthma test with negative results.' We cannot know what that test was, but your testing should include allergy testing, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and, perhaps, a methacholine challenge. Your relief of symptoms is encouraging – it could be both a physiologic effect and an emotional, calming effect and if it provides relief, you should adhere to the prescribed medical regimen. You should also relay the pharmacist’s advice to your allergist and give credence to his/her response. It is inappropriate for you to cut back on your medicines, especially when they seem beneficial, without consultation with your doctor.
Anxiety can present as physical symptoms. Your note suggests that your allergist has a strong opinion about the effects of anxiety. You might want to consider the possibility that his/her assessment is correct. Another option would be for you to seek a second opinion.
Severe problems developed last year. Antihistamine was the cure for a while until allergies continued to get stronger.
Father has history of severe allergy.
I have 3 inhalers.
Xopenex HFA 1 puff every 6 hours.
This takes 45 minutes to take effect.
Works really well.
Proventil HFA 2 puffs.
This takes 2-4 minutes to take effect.
I use this in an emergency.
(rarely ever need Proventil during the 6 hours of Xopenex)
Atrovent HFA. Didn't do anything. Stopped using it.
And again. Thank you for all of your time.
After being ruled out for anxiety I went to a new respiratory doctor whom identified bronchial swelling. Finding proof to identify what I had made all the difference. On medication now and breathing problems are under control. Now I want to reverse the need for medications and look for a cure.