Throat tightness, trouble swallowing

After relatively hard exercise (about one hour of bike riding), I often get throat rightness, particularly on the right side, trouble swallowing, difficulty in fully inhaling, and what feels like sinus congestion--feels as if there is mucus in my nose I cannot get out.  I have been diagnosed with exercise-indiced asthma--take Symbicort and Albuterol, as well as reflux, which I control by diet.  I always make sure my stomach is almost empty when I exercise, and take an antacid before, but the symptoms can still occur if the weather is particularly hot, or if I push more than normal.  The doctor seems unwilling to do more tests--just tells me me keep up with the medicine.  I have had a chest X-ray that come back normal.  My question is--is all of this just a part of having asthma--particularly if I have reflux as well?  I have been an athlete all my life, but have seen this get significantly worse in the last year or so. (Am a 45-year old female, not overweight, don't smoke).  Any suggestions for ways to manage this, or any help at all, would be much appreciated.  Thanks.  

[Judy246]

It can be many things, exercising  in hot or humid conditions can trigger an asthma attacks, throat tightness and trouble swallowing are symptoms of digestive problems or your diet (heart burn, reflux and acid that reaches the throat area causing errosion).

Get a second opinion if necessary, but you might have to be treated for acid reflux...Nexium is excellent and healing). Good luck

[Beachwalker33]

Sorry,I have Asthma as well.Singulair,is the best med for this,as your doctor about this,it is to be taken in the evening only.Advair,every 12 hours will also help with inflammation in your lungs.After you use all inhalers,rinse and gargle with water,that also causes throat irritation.Cindy is right,Nexium is great,Aciphex works pretty well to.Good Luck and of course ask your Doc or Pharmacist about possible drug interactions.God Bless,Jen

[InYourEyes]

Acid reflux can silently sweep up to your sinuses while you sleep , and you won't even feel a bit of heartburn ! I have got serious post nasal drip from acid reflux , this chokes me up and starts my asthma attack . Take 20mg of prilosec on an empty stomach in morning with a glass of water , don't eat anything for at least half an hour and as Beachwalker suggested ask your doctor for a sample pack of singulair and try it for 7 days . It works great even for people who have reflux induced asthma . I have done quite a lot of experiments on me . I will try to find out some natural stuff for you . Get yourself a bottle of Ivy Leaf extracts , it works like a charm for bronchial asthma specially when you have hyperacidity , it has cooling properties . Hope this helps . Wish you good luck . I have heard pranayama or alternative nostril breathing is very good for asthma , It is yogic breathing exercise , do some search on youtube , it's called anulom vilom pranayama , do it 20 minutes twice daily and after 6 months I can guarantee you will notice huge difference . There is a science , it restores homeostasis balance of the brain . It's amazing how such a think like breathing can restore the brain/mind/body balance . Asthma happens when brain sends wrong kind of signal to the nerves in your bronchial tubes . God bless ,

[swimgirl]

Thanks so much for all these responses.  It's good to know others deal with this, and have suggestions also.  I have an appointment with another doctor tomorrow, and will also try some of the lifestyle modifications/natural approaches.  

I have not exercised since I posted my question, but hope to get back at it by the weekend.  WIll help to know that if anything happens, it happens to others also.

[InYourEyes]

Do the pranayam everyday and you will feel the benefits gradually over months.After you are better continue the pranayam once a day to keep Asthma away.Also take aloe vera.
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume later.It is so natural, that you will feel generally healthy all round.
Anulom Vilom –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril
then -keeping the left nostril closed deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day(maximum 60 minutes in one day).
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.

Search youtube to learn more.