Answering questions about COVID-19 vaccines

@stolzy I also have reactive asthma that is allergic asthma or e-asthma named for the eosinophils that are the white blood cells involved in an allergic reaction in the lungs. I had a first dose of Pfizer Covid vaccine. I also have tightness in my chest not just from asthma, but from a physical problem of muscle and fascia tightness related to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) which I am working on in physical therapy. I have had a repetitive pattern of trapping phlegm because of the tightness on one side of my chest that then progresses into a bacterial infection, and every once in a while I have to treat with an antibiotic. Here is my experience after the Covid vaccine. My first symptoms were pain at the injection site, then pain in my neck where the jaw connects on that same side, headache and feeling nauseated and that happened within 30 minutes. At 45 minutes, I had some pain in my tongue muscle on the right side in back near my molars. Because that was a concern as possible allergic reaction for tongue swelling, I went to the ER and they administered an IV with the anti-histamines Benadryl, and Famotidine with Prednisone, a steroid. Within 20 minutes, there was no tongue pain and I was discharged. I'm waiting for an appointment to discuss this with my allergist. I felt OK the next day and was breathing fine, but on Day 2 after the shot when those meds wore off, my asthma was worse and my face was a little puffy. I used my steroid asthma inhaler Qvar, and my breathing got better and I also took an antihistamine. Prior to taking the antihistamine, I had some tingling in my face presumably from the slight swelling, and that went away from the anti-histamine. I used the inhaler for about 3 days post injection. I had also had a sinus infection starting at about 4 days after the vaccination, and I am currently treating that. What I learned to do came from presurgical precautions to avoid staff infections when the recommendation was to use the anti-bacterial ointment Bactroban (Mupiroicin generic) by putting it inside my nostrils. It turned out that helped me when I would get these lung issues and my doctor gave me a prescription for the ointment. After 3 days, I didn't have any more symptoms from the shot, and probably some of the breathing issues were due to the oncoming sinus/respiratory infection and not just the vaccine. I didn't have a serous allergic reaction. I am told that usually happens within minutes and the data for the patients who have had anaphylaxis shows that happened within 10 or 15 minutes. I did have minor face swelling and airway swelling, but that was easily controlled with my steroid inhaler, and my arm was sore for 3 days. I suggest discuss your concerns with your allergist, and have antihistamines and a steroid inhaler available if the need arises. I also had a prescription for oral Prednisone from the ER, but couldn't fill it because the pharmacy was closed, and on Day 2, I felt OK, so I didn't fill it. My inhaler was doing the job. Asthma and other lung disease is a big risk factor if you get a Covid infection and would increase the risk of it being a serious problem, so it is best to ask your doctor who treats your asthma about your benefit or risk of the vaccination..