Desperately seeking help

[AJWS6]

Hi,
I have been a smoker for 30 years.  I quit smoking a year and 3 months, thought it would help my breathing, it didn't so I started again.  I have trouble breathing, also gasping for air during sleep.  I have taken many tests including heart cath, all returned normal.  My airway closes up, restricting airflow.  My throat/nose swells shut, always clearing mucos from my throat, white to brown color, several different times during the day.  And once a night during sleep, I awaken gasping for air.  My chest feels tight all the time.  

I had a two PFT's done, this year, first result was 97% flow, pulmonologist.  Second result was 94% flow, 100% after breathing treatment allergy clinic.  Allergist said I was developing Asthma.  Prescribed me Asmanex, Foradil for maintenance and Albuterol for rescue.  Inhalers are helping with my lungs, but not my nose/throat.  

I don't know what is causing my nose/throat to swell up to the point, I struggle to breathe, for an hour or two, then it goes away.  One time it was so bad, I called an ambulance, I was gasping for air, and nearly passed out, I was given a shot for inflammation.  Doctors cannot find what is causing my symptoms, I've had this problem since Feb 06,.  My doctor is frustrated, because no medictions is helping, I was prescribed medicine for anxiety, acid reflux, I have taken singulair, prednisone, Loratadine, and the list goes on.

If anyone could please help I would be forever grateful, something my doctor may be overlooking, upper GI was normal, lung CT scan was normal.  All tests are normal, but my symptoms are obvious, even my doctor tells me I sound stuffy all the time.  

What does help is putting cotton balls in my nose and laying down.  Seems to open up my airways, really strange.  
Thanks for any help.
AJ    

  

  

[National Jewish Health]

It is surprising that with 30 years of smoking and great amounts of white to brown colored mucus, your PFTs are described as normal.  Then your comment:  “I don't know what is causing my nose/throat to swell up to the point,…” suggests that a major part of the problem resides in your nose and/or upper airways.  A good ENT exam is in order, including fiberoptic laryngoscopy, with careful exam of both the larynx and the naso-pharynx.  Once this is accomplished, a sleep study should be done to rule out obstructive sleep apnea.  You should sit down with your pulmonologist and request his/her differential diagnosis.

[japdip]

Just a thought .... perhaps you are having an allergic reaction to one of your many medications ??? Have you been prescribed a Steroid nasal spray ?? My Pulmonologist had me use one for a similar problem as you describe.

[michelle23]

Maybe a food allergy? Like allergic to dairy or wheat. Or try candida allergy.
Just a thought. Good Luck.

[AJWS6]

I am not allergic to medications.  I use flunisolide nasal spray 2x daily and saline solution several times a day.  Nasal sprays are not working.    

[AJWS6]

I do have allergies.  Doctor is trying different allergies meds, to find what works.  I was taking Zyrtec, which worked great, but made me sleep constantly.  Now I am on Loratadine (claritan).