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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Cramps brought on by asthma
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Cramps brought on by asthma
by Bob49, Nov 16, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Sirs:
Our ten year-old daughter has had asthma for about three years and it is usually pretty well controlled with Pulmicort & Foradil. She suffers from tightness in her chest, shortness of breath and dark circles under her eyes, when she does have difficulties (usually caused by a sinus infection, but also cold air). She does not wheeze. Her pulmonary function tests are frequently within the normal range even when she is experiencing considerable discomfort. When she is affected she really can’t do much but sit around; can barely climb the steps at home.
She also has another peculiar symptom, when her asthma is aggravated – severe cramps in practically any area of her body: chest,arms, hands, legs, mouth, jaw, etc. They are both painful and frightening to her. Most are fleeting. Some are quite disabling such as when she has them in her chest. None of the doctors we have seen understand the connection between them and her asthma, although they only emerge when her condition is exacerbated. Do you have any idea what these cramps are about and what can we do to alleviate them?
Thank you for any ideas.
Our ten year-old daughter has had asthma for about three years and it is usually pretty well controlled with Pulmicort & Foradil. She suffers from tightness in her chest, shortness of breath and dark circles under her eyes, when she does have difficulties (usually caused by a sinus infection, but also cold air). She does not wheeze. Her pulmonary function tests are frequently within the normal range even when she is experiencing considerable discomfort. When she is affected she really can’t do much but sit around; can barely climb the steps at home.
She also has another peculiar symptom, when her asthma is aggravated – severe cramps in practically any area of her body: chest,arms, hands, legs, mouth, jaw, etc. They are both painful and frightening to her. Most are fleeting. Some are quite disabling such as when she has them in her chest. None of the doctors we have seen understand the connection between them and her asthma, although they only emerge when her condition is exacerbated. Do you have any idea what these cramps are about and what can we do to alleviate them?
Thank you for any ideas.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Nov 19, 2003 12:00AM
, Nov 19, 2003 12:00AM
I am not sure about the cause of the cramping. It is possible that some of the symptoms you are describing could be hyperventilation. This would leave a normal lung function and also cause muscle cramping. I would suggest seeing the doctor at the time of the discomfort to try and determine the exact cause.
I have read that Foradil can cause muscle cramps, as an adverse (bad) side effect. Lack of oxygen can also cause muscle cramping. There may be other causes.
If she has food sensitivities or allergies, this could possibly cause the dark circles under the eyes. And, food sensitivities such as a gluten intolerance, cow's milk intolerance, etc., could cause lack of intestinal absorption of vitamins & minerals. This could maybe contribute to "tetany" (muscle spasms, due to a lack of certain minerals like calcium).
She might have VCD (Vocal Cord Dysfunction), or some other respiratory problem. My husband and I had good results, from being seen at Nat'l Jewish. Good luck to you.
Concerned lady
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