Allergy or Asthma

How do you know if you are just having an allergy problem or asthma? I have a post nasal drip which is clear but heavy. Now my Gerd is acting up. Is the pressure in my chest from the reflux? The doctor tested my heart, ekg fine. Did a pulse oxygen check which was 99. Chest x ray normal. However, I am being treated with an inhaler and antibiotics. Do I need this inhaler 4 times a day or should I focus on drying up the post nasal drip which seems to be aggravating the reflux. I can take deep breaths with no problem.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

These symptoms could be due to sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma and in rare cases GERD.

Are you on any medications currently? Has a CT scan of your sinuses been done? Are you allergic to any specific substances? Have you had allergic reactions in the past? Do you have any associated symptoms of cough, breathlessness, wheezing, fever , etc?

You could take oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine and see if it helps with your symptoms. Also take steam inhalation and saline nasal drops several times a day.

If your symptoms still persist, you should consult your doctor because then you would need to get certain investigations done and would probably need steroid nasal sprays and a course of antibiotics. You should also talk to your doctor about getting a sputum examination done, and a lung function test done if you have associated breathlessness or cough.

Let us know about any other doubts that you have and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.