Chest and cold problems

I had pneumonia when I was 19 and it was quite severe. I am now almost 41. When I was 39 I had a cold and it doesn't seem to have let up for two years. I think I have post nasal drip and have to clear my throat all the time. However, my chest always feels heavy and I am always feeling dizzy. tests have shown my lungs to be clear. Is it possible to suffer some sort of Bronchial condition without the coughing? Am I destined to always be prone to colds and is it because my immune system is weak after the Pnuemonia (pneumonia). I am at a loss.

I get very worked up and nervous with not knowing why I have a cold all the time. It is very frustrating. I have recently moved to Holland from England and do not have a Doctor yet. I pulled a muscle in my back last week and couldn't move. Paramedics did a check and my heart and lungs seemed fine. So why does my chest always feel like an Elephant is standing on it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The post nasal drip that you are having is leading to the chest heaviness. Post-nasal drip (PND) occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the sinuses. The excess mucus accumulates in the throat or back of the nose. It can be caused by rhinitis, sinusitis, or laryngopharyngeal acid reflux. It can be enhanced or sometimes even caused by allergies.

Pls check out with an ENT specialist if you are having chronic rhinitis or sinusitis. If you have chronic sinusitis then it can lead to continuous production of mucus and less drainage leading to post nasal drip.Transillumination test and X-Ray or CT sinuses can help in diagnosing it. If allergic rhinitis is the cause of PND then it can be diagnosed by skin ***** tests or blood tests like RAST.

Take plenty of fluids throughout the day and inhale steam as many times as possible. . Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling water) may help to soften, and loosen, the build up of mucus in your nose. You may also find that adding some menthol crystals, or eucalyptus oil, to the water, helps to ease your symptoms of catarrh.

use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant combined with an anti-inflammatory analgesic (pain reliever) like Ibuprofen. However, you should not use decongestants for more than 5-7 days at a time. You can also OTC antihistaminics like benadryl or zyrtec for some days and see if they provide relief or not. Some chronic cases may need oral steroids or steroid nasal sprays and antibiotics. These can be taken only after prescription.

Allergic rhinitis may need immunotherapy in chronic cases.

Hope I have provided you with sufficient information. In case, you need any more you are most welcome to ask.

Take care and God bless.