1. < Lung Health

Asthma or COPD?

Posted by MariaC @mariac, Apr 28, 2022

I am really struggling with chronic lung issues. I blamed myself for these lung issues as I smoked on and off in my life, in spite of my being relatively athletic, having run marathons, taught fitness, and continue to work out to this day. However, I smoked steadily (about 6 a day) for a period of 4 years, knowing it was irritating my lungs and knowing I had a base of asthma, when my parents were sick and dying. They have since passed, and with much effort and a few periodic relapses of a month or so, I finally quit. I have chronic phlegm, and it tends to be worse when I am not smoking. I can still exercise and walk with good stamina, but lately I have episodes that I feel tight. My lungs keep producing phlegm but I do not have a cough, just a constant desire to clear my lungs. Docs took x-ray and say lungs are fine. They tested my exhale and said it is fine. They said it is untreated asthma, but I am having a believing this as symptoms continue. Docs say they doubt I have COPD given history. Yet, I am stressed and scared they may be wrong. I would appreciate any thoughts or insights.

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MariaC | @mariac | May 7, 2022
In reply to @stlsampsondev "I have severe eosinophilic asthma. It took us two years to diagnose. I had to find..." + (show)
@stlsampsondev

I have severe eosinophilic asthma. It took us two years to diagnose. I had to find a pulmonologist who is in private practice. Do you have a pulmonologist? At first when I showed up the doctor was not convinced I had asthma. All my testing was normal except a low lung volume which was not enough to prove asthma. We had to do the methacholine challenge test to prove it. Have you had that test? Also my asthma is triggered by allergies and my eosinophil count. but there are biologic injections that really help me. I get Fasenera injections every two months. There are several depending what asthma you have. Did they check your eosinophil count in your blood? I know they think you have asthma. so my journey is different but there are several different types not just a generic one.

Have you tried a nebulizer machine? It can help when your lungs feel really tight - it delivers the asthma medicine through a tube and it takes about ten minutes. It really helps me when my lungs are tight or I panic about my breathing. I have one I can use at home or take with me when I go out or travel. Some of the machines are large and heavy but you can also get a smaller portable one.

As far as COPD, it runs in my family and so does lung cancer and hat concerned me so I asked the doctor if he would test just to make sure since my uncle had COPD and he had to be on oxygen. They did a CT and tested specifically for COPD which there are specific tests and blood work they did. Have they done a CT or just an x-ray? I don't have COPD or lung cancer thankfully. but I am sharing all this to let you know to keep asking questions.

One other thing you could try is to check your oxygen levels when your lungs feel tight. You can buy an oxygen device at Walgreens or.a similar store. It is fairly cheap. It is called an oximeter maybe. You put it on your finger. It checks your pulse too. Sometimes oxygen levels only go low when your chest is tight. So even if they check it at your doctor's office unless your lungs are tight it might read normal. Just something else to consider. Hope they figure it out!

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Thank you so much!

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MariaC | @mariac | May 7, 2022

I want to thank everybody for your thoughtful and insightful responses. It always gives me hope to see acts of kindness and people out there who are authentic and caring. So many crazy things happening in the world. It is refreshing to know that in certain circles, there are amazing people out there who take the time to try and help others. Virtually sending out my gratitude and appreciation!

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mpeters | @mpeters | May 17, 2022
In reply to @mariac "No I have not had spirometer testing, only a preliminary test into a tube. I will..." + (show)
@mariac

No I have not had spirometer testing, only a preliminary test into a tube. I will be following up with my doctor to get a referral as the inhalers do help a bit but not enough to make it go away and this definitely increased my fear that something more serious is going on. The symptoms phlegm seems to be almost gone at moments, and then other moments fills up, and seems to move up to my throat. Ultimately, looks like I am just going to need further investigation and testing.

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I can only speak to one of your symptoms. I have asthma and I have problems with phlegm in the back of my throat. I take Ipratroprium to dry that up. I only take it when I need it, as opposed to Flonase which I take two times every day. I also take Azestaline two times every day. Best of luck with getting good advice and treatment and please keep us posted when there are changes (hopefully good).

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lenchiksf | @lenchiksf | May 18, 2022

Second on Azelastine and Flonase and daily sinus rinses (i will up to 3-4 times) if phlegm starts building up more in the back of my throat. I mentioned in my previous posts, i add budesonide liquid to netty pot. Need to keep phlegm under control is golden for any breathing problems 🙂

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1 reply
mpeters | @mpeters | May 19, 2022
In reply to @lenchiksf "Second on Azelastine and Flonase and daily sinus rinses (i will up to 3-4 times) if..." + (show)
@lenchiksf

Second on Azelastine and Flonase and daily sinus rinses (i will up to 3-4 times) if phlegm starts building up more in the back of my throat. I mentioned in my previous posts, i add budesonide liquid to netty pot. Need to keep phlegm under control is golden for any breathing problems 🙂

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My husband is a big believer in sinus rinses but I haven’t been able to do it. Any tips for learning how?

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2 replies
lenchiksf | @lenchiksf | May 19, 2022
In reply to @mpeters "My husband is a big believer in sinus rinses but I haven’t been able to do..." + (show)
@mpeters

My husband is a big believer in sinus rinses but I haven’t been able to do it. Any tips for learning how?

Jump to this post

It really really helps to control asthma ! There are different types and you just need to find one that you will enjoy using. For example my husband tried squeeze bottle version and it hurted his ears badly, he gave up right away and uses flonase. I end up with
Himalayan Chandra ECO Neti Pot Complete Sinus Cleansing System Starter Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002K6459O/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_093THJX0JJJ587S1TGAW
and i like it because i can control the flow with the head tilt. The instructions are included. Good luck, i would be curious to know which one you end up with. The min i feel phlegm in the back of my throat, i up my rinses. Yes still get asthma symptoms, but not as severe. There multiple articles on sinus health that directly correlates with asthma control, one of multifaceted approaches to keep us thriving.

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1 reply
lenchiksf | @lenchiksf | May 19, 2022

If anyone interested in guided imagenary for asthma, Belleruth Naparstek has amazing ones
https://www.healthjourneys.com/authors/belleruth-naparstek

She has multiple ones on any area you can think of. Her voice is super soothing. If i am awake at night with asthma, i listen and it helps.

There are multiple ways to get these to your phone. At first i did 3 or 6 months free through apple music, then i signed up through her website and you get 15% discounts on downloads .mp3 or cds. I downloaded on my phone and i always have it by my side.

If you want to listen to her free audios, here is the link from the hospital i am affiliated/member :
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/mental-health/tools-resources

Her foundation is affiliated with large medical centers and the foundation honors veterans....there are lots of guided imaginary for ptsd developed by Belleruth as well.
If you subscribe to her website, sales offers come through.

REPLY
mpeters | @mpeters | May 19, 2022
In reply to @lenchiksf "It really really helps to control asthma ! There are different types and you just need..." + (show)
@lenchiksf

It really really helps to control asthma ! There are different types and you just need to find one that you will enjoy using. For example my husband tried squeeze bottle version and it hurted his ears badly, he gave up right away and uses flonase. I end up with
Himalayan Chandra ECO Neti Pot Complete Sinus Cleansing System Starter Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002K6459O/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_093THJX0JJJ587S1TGAW
and i like it because i can control the flow with the head tilt. The instructions are included. Good luck, i would be curious to know which one you end up with. The min i feel phlegm in the back of my throat, i up my rinses. Yes still get asthma symptoms, but not as severe. There multiple articles on sinus health that directly correlates with asthma control, one of multifaceted approaches to keep us thriving.

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Thank you so much.

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ZeeGee | @fourof5zs | May 20, 2022
In reply to @mpeters "My husband is a big believer in sinus rinses but I haven’t been able to do..." + (show)
@mpeters

My husband is a big believer in sinus rinses but I haven’t been able to do it. Any tips for learning how?

Jump to this post

@mpeters
I had a hard time explaining to my husband how to use the sinus rinse.. the directions are pretty clear that came with the bottle. Watching me was no help. So I found a video for him to watch.. he got it 😃. Some people prefer a netty pot.. some other systems. Just explore and see what might be best for you.
ZeeGee

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