Posted By Gretchen (Fargo, Nd, Usa) on 10/04/2011
I am in a quandry. For 1 month I have suffered from a tight chest and intermittent cough--it was better following a good rain, but then returned. We have had a beautiful Indian Summer, but late harvest and hot, windy weather seems to be my downfall this year.
The chest tightness is felt under my collarbone, throughout my windpipe and in my upper back. My cough is deep and "tracheal" sounding--and not very productive. When something is coughed up, it is gray, opaque.
2 weeks ago, I was tested for asthma at an Allergy and Asthma clinic (gold standard tests), and it was clear to the dr that I did NOT have asthma--relieved, yes!! But now my symptoms have returned, after taking about a week-long hiatus.
I have seen a bit of an upswing in my upper resp allergies (runny nose, red eyes, post nasal drainage). I have been taking guaifenesin in case it is chest congestion, and the allergist prescribed me Nasonex and a prednisone burst to try get rid of the inflammation. The most relief I feel is after I take a nebulized ipratroprium bromide to reduce the inflammation. Also makes me super shaky...
I feel like I'm the only one dealing with something this wacky, and it's been disconcerting.
Has anyone dealt with this, and was there ever any conclusive diagnosis or treatment that was helpful for you?
Thanks & best.
Replied by Sophia (Wheaton, Il) on 10/04/2011
I had very bad asthma and nothing was helping. I was on too many RX. One day I found an accupunturist who treated asthma. He had me stop eating wheat, dairy and sugar. It has been eight weeks now. I am off five medications, I don't have mucous anymore and I don't cough all the time and (bonus) I have lost a lot of weight. I feel wonderful! My symptoms were a little different than yours, since I was only coughing a little and could never get a deep breathe for over a year. This sounds crazy, but my lungs hurt in the back. Now I am so much better. He gave me some herbs with quercetin, stinging nettles and bromelain. I hope this helps and you get some relief. It so scary to be unable to get a deep breathe!
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