Allergy, lung infection or something else??

Posted by ckoehring @ckoehring, 6 days ago

For a few months now (at least two or three, I've had what people are saying is just allergies. I have never had allergies in my life (now 74 years), but now have stuffiness in head, wheezing, excessive coughing, and lately, a heaviness in breathing. I have an inhaler that I just started using and helps a bit but I'm not sure this is an allergy. No watery eyes, or runny nose at all, but I definitely sound nasally. I just walked up the hill from my pottery shop and was huffing, puffing, coughing and wheezing to the point of concern. Does this sound like allergies? Or does it sound more like a lung infection? My doc gave me a prescription for singular yesterday and we are picking it up this morning. She is 3 hrs away so our visits are virtual. I think I might need an x-ray. Is that a good idea, or should I just sit tight and try the singular?

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@saganjames

To all that are possibly experiencing allergies, try these steps:
1. Practice slow deep breathing. Fill your diaphragm and then lungs via your nose, exhale slowly via your mouth.
2. Cut down on carbs (bread, rice, pasta, pastries, etc.) Carbohydrates metabolize into carbon dioxide which can severely inhibit normal breathing.
3. Drink organic tart cherry juice, 4 oz. at breakfast.
4. Inhale aroma of thyme leaves before walking or exercising and as needed.
5. Drink 4 ounces of organic pomegranate juice after exercising.
6. Sleep with your head elevated.
7. Wear N95 mask during high pollen season. Milwaukee brand N95 is great.
Hope this helps!
I'm off all meds, including albuterol.
Regards,
Sagan

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How long do you breathe in thyme ? I just planted German Thyme, does it matter if the thyme is fresh or dried ? I onley need albuterol when I get an attack from molds, havent had one in years. When I breathe out hard it sounds like a tight wheeze but my Dr. says to use the albuterol 3 x day, it doesnt do anything. Any thoughts? Its great you are off all meds.

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Just a quick reminder of the Connect community guidelines, which state:

-Be careful about giving out medical advice.
-Sharing your own experience is fine, but don't tell other members what they should do.
-Experiences and information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
-Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in the community.

It is always best to speak with your provider when making any changes to you medical or supplement regimen.

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@jmd2025

How long do you breathe in thyme ? I just planted German Thyme, does it matter if the thyme is fresh or dried ? I onley need albuterol when I get an attack from molds, havent had one in years. When I breathe out hard it sounds like a tight wheeze but my Dr. says to use the albuterol 3 x day, it doesnt do anything. Any thoughts? Its great you are off all meds.

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I use dried thyme leaves and have no experience with fresh leaves. I take about 3 or 4 deep breaths of thyme aroma before exercising, doing yard work, walking, and before bed if I feel the need. Lately, I'm using/needing it less and less and I'm grateful. Lastly, reducing my carb intake and avoiding ginger has been really good for me. I kept good notes on breathing problem triggers.
What works for me may not work for others, but I am luckily doing fine, in spite of having more than one piece of rash medical advice that I have asthma or COPD. Doctors are trying their best, but many times their conclusions are standard in nature, owing greatly to their busy schedule too. Therefore, and obviously, we must be very circumspect when it comes to our particular health profile.
Regards,
Sagan

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For the last few weeks I have had excess clear mucus production, coughing fits, wheezing, sometimes leading to airway blockage. Temperature never above 99 deg, I've been taking Robitussin and using the Netipot . What is this? Am I asking the right group?

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Definitely not allergies and recommend you seeing a pulmonologist if Singulair doesn’t help (from a person with a progressive lung disease that went undiagnosed for years.) Good lung care with those symptoms is important.

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@estoycansado

For the last few weeks I have had excess clear mucus production, coughing fits, wheezing, sometimes leading to airway blockage. Temperature never above 99 deg, I've been taking Robitussin and using the Netipot . What is this? Am I asking the right group?

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Those are symptoms that are not normal & if it continues it would be worth seeing a pulmonologist. You could possibly need an inhaler for maintenance.

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So sorry I answered before seeing the responses that you saw your doctor and got treatment. So glad you are feeling better!

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@jwool89

Those are symptoms that are not normal & if it continues it would be worth seeing a pulmonologist. You could possibly need an inhaler for maintenance.

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Thank you. I presented to Village Family this morning and was advised to take the Robitussin three times a day instead of just at bedtime, to drink more water, to continue the nasal irrigation and not to worry about the wheezing.

Still reminds me of the time that I had whooping cough though. Some things tend to stick in the mind.

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@jmd2025

How long do you breathe in thyme ? I just planted German Thyme, does it matter if the thyme is fresh or dried ? I onley need albuterol when I get an attack from molds, havent had one in years. When I breathe out hard it sounds like a tight wheeze but my Dr. says to use the albuterol 3 x day, it doesnt do anything. Any thoughts? Its great you are off all meds.

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Many patients are prescribed an inhaler and have no idea how to use it. It is important to ask your doctor and/or your pharmacist for specific instructions because it doesn't seem to be that clear in the packaging. Such an important process and so widely misunderstood.

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