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Question
Hi I have not been diagnosed as asthmatic and have never had even a chest infection before. Last October I started sneezing when eating - painfully sending pains down my arms. I also could hear a slight wheeze at night when I went to bed. I also had an ECG which was clear for pains in my chest.In early Dec I developed a cold with a dry cough. I was given antibiotics for a chest infection and have been quite ill ever since. For 5 weeks I have been unable to sleep at all due to the most choking cough that produces thick blood stained mucus with thick dark green stringy bits - sorry grim description? I am on my fourth lot of antibiotics, have been given a nebuliser, ventolin inhaler and am weaning of of oral steriods that I have had for 5 weeks. I have had a clear chest xray and sputum test but it just isnt going away- I am getting run down as you can imagine and wonder if this is the accurate diagnosis of acute bronchitis or if it is out of control asthma- the nebuliser and ventolin does gice immediate relief but only for a hour.
Hi Annette,
Bronchitis can, and does last weeks, not uncommonly as long as 2 months. I'm going to assume that your physician has done sputum cultures to aid in determining the bacteria causing the problem, so the right antibiotic will be chosen.
Acute bronchitis differs from chronic bronchitis primarily in that the bronchitis repeatedly returns yearly, for 2 or more years.
If you have not had a second opinion from a pulmonologist, I would do so to verify the diagnosis.
Not a great way to start a new year :(
Sincerely,
Marc
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 9 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you since mail I got worse and have have had antiniotics changed to 2 lots and increased steroids - can you clarify comment about return of bronchitis ? What can I do to avoid it or did you mean chronic bronchitis returns ? I also have developed pressure in my ears worse when in coughing fit and it feels like I am going to faint - just mucus I assume. | ||
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Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator
Expertise
I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.
Experience
Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.
Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.
Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)
Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist
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