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Are Stuffy Nose, Sneezing, Cough And Breathing Difficulty Signs Of Asthma?
Question: Hello doctor,
I have a cold with a stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, no fever. Difficulty breathing is by far my greatest concern.
In the spring (about 6 months ago), I had walking pneumonia (I took two rounds of antibiotics and recovered well enough within about a month). My doctor was concerned that I might be developing asthma, which I believe happened. I have an Albuterol inhaler and use it only when I absolutely have to. By taking over-the-counter allergy medication, I am able to suppress most of the symptoms of my current cold, however, I continue to feel as though I am drowning. It is very hard to breath, my chest feels heavy and hard to expand for a deep breath. It leads to chest and back pain.
Is this just the experience of having asthma? Can I wait a couple of days to see my primary care doctor or should I be worried and seek immediate attention (ER)? Is it safe to use my inhaler more often than the indicated two pumps every 4-5 hours? Can I continue taking allergy medication to reduce my symptoms? I take 600mg twice a day of gabapentin (treatment for migraines), and am cautious about taking any medication that is a sedative.
Thank you very much for your guidance. I appreciate your help.
-Jeanette
I have a cold with a stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, no fever. Difficulty breathing is by far my greatest concern.
In the spring (about 6 months ago), I had walking pneumonia (I took two rounds of antibiotics and recovered well enough within about a month). My doctor was concerned that I might be developing asthma, which I believe happened. I have an Albuterol inhaler and use it only when I absolutely have to. By taking over-the-counter allergy medication, I am able to suppress most of the symptoms of my current cold, however, I continue to feel as though I am drowning. It is very hard to breath, my chest feels heavy and hard to expand for a deep breath. It leads to chest and back pain.
Is this just the experience of having asthma? Can I wait a couple of days to see my primary care doctor or should I be worried and seek immediate attention (ER)? Is it safe to use my inhaler more often than the indicated two pumps every 4-5 hours? Can I continue taking allergy medication to reduce my symptoms? I take 600mg twice a day of gabapentin (treatment for migraines), and am cautious about taking any medication that is a sedative.
Thank you very much for your guidance. I appreciate your help.
-Jeanette
Brief Answer:
Yes, it is an acute asthma.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thank you for using HCM to post your question.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
What you are describing seems like an acute asthma. If you have fever at some point then you may have pneumonia too but only by a physical exam we will be able to tell that.
Asthma can be a lifethreatening condition. And yes, how you are describing it, you need to go to the ER to check your oxygenation so they can understand how urgent it is in your case.
You should not need the inhaler more then once/twice per week. The fact that you need it more then every 4 hours, makes me think as another reason you need to go to the ER.
You will need to take steroids, in order to treat it. It will not be better by using Ventolin or an antihistamine, but surely will help the symptoms for the moment. So yes, you can use them both...the Ventolin 2 puffs every 4 hours (if needed) and the antihistamine once or twice day the recommended dose.
Hope this is helpful and I unswered all your questions. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please kindly close and rate the answer.
Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
Yes, it is an acute asthma.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thank you for using HCM to post your question.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
What you are describing seems like an acute asthma. If you have fever at some point then you may have pneumonia too but only by a physical exam we will be able to tell that.
Asthma can be a lifethreatening condition. And yes, how you are describing it, you need to go to the ER to check your oxygenation so they can understand how urgent it is in your case.
You should not need the inhaler more then once/twice per week. The fact that you need it more then every 4 hours, makes me think as another reason you need to go to the ER.
You will need to take steroids, in order to treat it. It will not be better by using Ventolin or an antihistamine, but surely will help the symptoms for the moment. So yes, you can use them both...the Ventolin 2 puffs every 4 hours (if needed) and the antihistamine once or twice day the recommended dose.
Hope this is helpful and I unswered all your questions. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please kindly close and rate the answer.
Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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