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Concerned about Tight Chest: Testing for asthma
Asthma & Allergy | Last Active: 15 hours ago | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
Hi @emtaylor, diagnosing asthma can be a tedious, but necessary, journey. I included your posts to the Asthma & Allergy support group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/asthma/
Em, have you noticed any improvement with the chest tightness since starting budesonide, the steroid inhaler?
Replies to "Hi @emtaylor, diagnosing asthma can be a tedious, but necessary, journey. I included your posts to..."
I have asthma, and Pulmonary Fibrosis. I can't use any nebulizer or inhalers because I react to the propellant. I have found a few things that help me manage the tightness.
My incentive Spirometer (voldyne 4000). Several times throughout the day for a few minutes.
Constricted muscles can really limit our ability to take a breath, and with a chronic condition we tend to adjust to that constriction.
Chest opening stretches are really helpful!! Massaging the upper chest, neck, shoulders and upper back is also really helpful!! I use an essential oil called Larch, mixed with a little carrier oil, which is soothing to the muscles, but that's just a bonus.
Warmest regards!
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Thank you Colleen! Yes, I've noticed a major improvement, and am following up with my pulmonologist in a few weeks to see what's next.