AboutNeal Okerson Expertise I should be able to answer most questions about anatomy and physiology of heart and lungs. I also enjoy answering questions about understanding diseases. I should also be able to explain the goals and objectives of various pulmonary related treatments. Not an M.D., but worked in the field (Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician) since 1990. Registered Respiratory Therapist since 1995. B.S. degree in Health Education (1987). Currently working (since 1993) as the Director of Clinical Education in an AMA approved Respiratory Care Program in Western KY.
Question It's very simple, let me sum this up really easily so you can
answer. Recently I've been having trouble breathing. If I was to
describe it I'd basically say as though you cannot breath in
enough air to relax. As though you stop just short of acquiring a
full breath. I just went to an Allergist yesterday, basically they
gave me testing which was the first I've had in years. They did
asthma testing, breath testing, etc... they seemed to think all
was well, except for my left nostril being congested (which I
didn't notice).
They gave me Singulair, then a nasal spray... I came home, tried
both, I'm not sure the nasal spray does anything, and the
Singulair just seems to have made breathing more difficult. I
don't think it helped at all, but I also can't say it alone is
responsible for making me worse. The problem is this, I went to
the ER a week ago about this, they found nothing, I got allergy
medication and it's done nothing, so what in gods freakin world
is wrong with my breathing.
I mean the best way I can explain it is... I can breath, it just feels
like down my left chest there isn't enough air coming in, then I
twist left or right a bit and I breath better, it feels gone, then I
eventually feel it again. I'm on antidepressants but I don't think
this is anxiety, it seems to be really just odd. I suppose it could
be I'm anxious and tightening my chest somehow, but I feel this
is to severe to be something so simple. Sometimes if I bend back
it gets better. That's about all I can say, it's a mystery. Was
hoping you'd have some insights... considering they tried an
asthma treatment on me which did nothing, and they found no
reason to suspect any heart condition, what it could be I may
never know.
Answer The Singulair won't help you until you have taken it for 3-4 weeks. If the pulmonary testing at your allergist was clear, it may be anxiety. Do you notice any changes that might correspond with your mood? Your age and history would help eliminate heart problems as a diagnosis.
You might ask your doctor about an inhaler to use until the Singulair gets built up in your body. Your doctor knows your condition and would know what can and cannot be used.
