Suggest Treatment For Severe Tightness In The Chest
Peak flow meter is an inexpensive way to measure lung function
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Peak flow meters are used to measure how well air is moved out of the lungs. It is a very important part of managing your asthma symptoms and preventing an asthma attack. Keeping track of your peak flow rates are one way you and your doctor can know if your symptoms are in control or worsening.
During asthma attacks, your muscles in the airway tighten and cause the airways to narrow. Therefore, less air will exit your lungs and your readings will be lower due to constriction of the airways. From the change in readings on the peak flow meter, you and your doctor can determine lung functionality, the severity of asthma symptoms, and treatment. As your readings get lower, you will know that an asthma attack is impending which means that you will need to take more treatment. In addition, once your peak flow recordings are plotted out on a graph, your doctor can determine if your asthma is under control or not. Thus, your doctor can give you additional medication.
Overall, it is a very inexpensive way to determine how well your lungs are moving air out. In additional, it can help your doctor formulate a plan on how bad your asthma is, and how much treatment you will need.
You will get medications based on peak flow results.
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Depending on the results of your peak flow meters, your doctor will prescribe the same medications, different medications, or more medications. Asthma medicines can generally be divided into two groups: medicines to prevent attacks (controller medicines) and medicines to treat attacks (sometimes called rescue medicines). I have listed some medications below.
Treatment is based mostly off of your symptoms and the readings on the peak flow meter. The ultimate goal is to prevent you from going into an asthma attack. Warning signs of an asthma attack including: Peak flow 50% to 80% of your personal best, Coughing or wheezing, Shortness of breath, Tightness in chest. If your symptoms don't respond to medicine or if your peak flow drops below 50% of your personal best, call your doctor or go directly to the nearest emergency room (by ambulance, if necessary).
Controller Medicines
- Inhaled corticosteroids
- Cromolyn
- Nedocromil
- Anti-leukotrienes
- Theophylline
- Salmeterol (inhaled long-acting beta2 agonist)
Quick-Relief Medicines
- Albuterol, pirbuterol, levalbuterol or bitolterol (inhaled short-acting beta2 agonist)
- Ipratropium (anticholinergic)
- Prednisone, prednisolone (oral steroids)
You will need a controller medication as described above
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Unfortunately, you are still using your rescue inhaler too much, and therefore, you will need to be put on a controller medication as I stated above. Most commonly, it is usually an inhaled steroid.
I would also recommend avoiding smoke at all cost. Smoke will always exacerbate your symptoms.
Take Care
What sort of preventer do you think the Respiratory nurse will precib for me do you think please on the 17th November?
Inhaled corticosteroid
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
I suspect she will give you an inhaled corticosteroid which is very effective and efficient at controlling your symptoms.
You should call the nurse to make sure you are using it correctly.
Detailed Answer:
You should call the nurse to make sure you are using it correctly.
Continue your current medications
Detailed Answer:
You are on a good regimen.
The taste should get better or more tolerable.
You may feel tired for about 5 days.
Detailed Answer:
It can make you tired.
It can also make you restless, however.
Since it is a steroid, it usually takes about 5 days to adapt to the medication.
Continue to use ventolin and clenil modulite.
Detailed Answer:
You should use your ventolin inhaler as you need it. During illness, you will need to use it more. If you are not getting relief, you made need oral steroids.
Should I explain to nurse what I've told you? What sort of steroids do you think she'll give me if any?
Yes, you should let her know that you are not feeling well.
Detailed Answer:
Yes, you should let her know that you are not feeling well.
If you need steroids, she will provide you with the appropriate dose and type.