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Question
Hi there :)
I have had asthma for about 8 years now. Not often do I have to use my inhaler, but for about a week and a half now I have been having chest pain and tightness, along with a lot of "clearing my throat" and coughing along with some mucus coming up. The pain and tightness comes and goes but not for very long at a time. My ventolin doesn't seem to be working, would this be more of a flammatory issue with my asthma? Is this something that will go away on it's own?
Thanks you.
Hi Colleen,
This does sound like an inflammatory issue. Do you have a peak flow monitor, and if yes, have your numbers been dropping?
Regardless, get a hold of your physician and express urgency. Should it be an asthma flareup, it may be viral, weather related, or seasonal allergy change. A short course of oral steroid would be appropriate, with an assessment of your immune system ( e.g.: elevated eosinophils) as to whether some maintenance meds should be instituted. If it is not asthma, it obviously needs to be investigated quickly and thoroughly.
Let me know how this goes.
Get well,
Marc
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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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