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Vomiting, Severe Menstrual Crampms, Fatigue, Stress, Bronchitis, Coughing. Have Asthma. Want To Get Better.

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Posted on Wed, 13 Jun 2012
Question: Hi,
I am a 25 y/o (135lbs, 5'8") female, who has been very healthy and active for a long time. The last couple of moths I've gotten multiple cases of bronchitis and have been consistently run down. I used to work out and run three times a week, but have not been healthy enough to do that in over a month. Despite antibiotics, inhalers and steroids I am kept awake at night with violent coughing. Though I have asthma, I haven't had a problem with it like this in over 15 years and no asthma medication provides relief.

I've gotten blood work and x-rays done and nothing seemed to concern the doctor. Though, my blood work indicated slightly low iron. Today I was vomiting and had extremely severe menstrual cramps, which is very unusual for me. In addition to that, I have been extremely fatigued and sleep more than 12 hours a night on average. I used to be extremely go-getting and ambitious but these health problems have made it difficult for me to keep up.

I am in grad school and have had to miss a lot of class recently, which is stressing me out even more. I just want to get better and resume my life. I can't imagine what I'm going through is nothing to be concerned about medically if it interfering THIS MUCH with my life.

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Tauseef (1 hour later)
Hi,

Thank you for the query.

I would like to know few more things which would help me in suggesting you better:

1.) Since how long do you have cough/Bronchitis Symptoms?
2.) Are you currently getting periods?
3.) Do you smoke?
4.) Do you have fever?

Your Symptoms suggest Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis which is caused by Viruses and you are having bouts of vomiting due to repeated cough. You should be getting yourself examined by a Chest Physician so that he/she may evaluate you in detail and run few tests like,

1.) Chest X XXXXXXX
2.) Sputum culture.
3.) Pulmonary Function tests.

Once the cause is confirmed, you will be treated accordingly with same medicines with increased dosage or different antibiotics, Steroid Inhalers, Cough suppressants and will be asked to do some Breathing Exercises.

In addition to this, follow these lifestyle modifications which would help you prevent the attacks and lead a normal, healthy and productive life:

1.) Avoid alcohol and smoking, if you do.
2.) Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollutants, paint or household cleaners with strong fumes, pet dander by wearing a face mask.
3.) Use a humidifier at home. Warm, moist air helps relieve cough and loosens mucus in your airways.
4.) Wear a face mask whenever you go out and during winters.
5.) Wash your hands frequently and get in the habit of using hand sanitizers, to reduce your risk of catching a viral infection.
6.) For Menstrual cramps apply heat pads to your lower abdominal area. This is happening due to the stress of repeated coughing.
7.) Also get a opinion from a Gynaecologist if you experience severe vaginal bleeding.
8.) Since you have low body iron, eat healthy nutritious balanced diet which should include fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables.
9.) Avoid stress, practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
10.) Exercise regularly for 30 to 40 minutes daily, this will boost your immunity.
11.) Stick to your treatment plan and go for regular follow up.

Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries.


Wish you Good Health.

Take Care.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Tauseef.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Tauseef (10 hours later)
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX

Thank you for your response. To answer you questions:

1. I have had these bronchitis symptoms since July.
2. My menstrual cycle has occurred regularly.
3. I do not, nor have I ever, smoked.
4. I get a fever with every bout of bronchitis, and had a fever with the vomiting yesterday.

The explanations and advice you wrote makes sense. My question is why, as a healthy, active and health-conscious 25 y/o have I developed chronic bronchitis? And why, despite all the treatment given to me, can't I kick it? It seems so strange.

Throughout my years at college, I missed one day of class from illness. Even when I had mono over summer break, it only had me bed ridden for a day. Up until now, my immune system has been pretty strong and I was able to bounce back easily from colds. Given my lifestyle and history, it seems so strange to me that I should develop chronic bronchitis.

I should also mention that two years ago when I was 23 (when swine flu was going around) I got a terrible case of pneumonia which had me bed ridden for two months and I was not completely recovered for about 6 months. It was very strange to be sick for the long, given my age and history. I have never been back to 100% since.

Given my fatigue, on-and-off low-grade fevers, and bouts of bronchitis is it possible I have some immunodeficiency? Again, it's just so strange that I should have chronic bronchitis, since I am not a smoker and lead a very healthy lifestyle.

Thanks, XXXXXXX

doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Tauseef (10 hours later)
Hello XXXXXXX

Thank you for writing back to me.

I deeply understand your problem and sympathise with you. After reading your follow up history, it seems that you are a strong person who is gradually losing confidence due to repeated bouts of illness. I would definitely not endorse this and would like you to lead a happy, healthy and productive life as others are.

As you have said it right, you may have immunodeficiency since you have had an attack of Pneumonia which could have compromised your body's infection fighting capacity making you vulnerable to infections. This has to be addressed. I hope you don't live or work in surroundings wherein there is much of air pollution either vehicular or industrial.

It is easy to control the Bronchitis symptoms and you can keep them at bay by following the lifestyle modifications which I has suggested earlier, stick to your treatment plan and go for regular follow up.

You may also speak to your Doctor and get yourself vaccinated against flu and some types of Pneumonia by getting a yearly flu shot.

Hope this advice helps you.

Wish you Best of Health.

Take Care.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Tauseef.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Mohammed Tauseef

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1337 Questions

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Vomiting, Severe Menstrual Crampms, Fatigue, Stress, Bronchitis, Coughing. Have Asthma. Want To Get Better.

Hi,

Thank you for the query.

I would like to know few more things which would help me in suggesting you better:

1.) Since how long do you have cough/Bronchitis Symptoms?
2.) Are you currently getting periods?
3.) Do you smoke?
4.) Do you have fever?

Your Symptoms suggest Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis which is caused by Viruses and you are having bouts of vomiting due to repeated cough. You should be getting yourself examined by a Chest Physician so that he/she may evaluate you in detail and run few tests like,

1.) Chest X XXXXXXX
2.) Sputum culture.
3.) Pulmonary Function tests.

Once the cause is confirmed, you will be treated accordingly with same medicines with increased dosage or different antibiotics, Steroid Inhalers, Cough suppressants and will be asked to do some Breathing Exercises.

In addition to this, follow these lifestyle modifications which would help you prevent the attacks and lead a normal, healthy and productive life:

1.) Avoid alcohol and smoking, if you do.
2.) Avoid irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollutants, paint or household cleaners with strong fumes, pet dander by wearing a face mask.
3.) Use a humidifier at home. Warm, moist air helps relieve cough and loosens mucus in your airways.
4.) Wear a face mask whenever you go out and during winters.
5.) Wash your hands frequently and get in the habit of using hand sanitizers, to reduce your risk of catching a viral infection.
6.) For Menstrual cramps apply heat pads to your lower abdominal area. This is happening due to the stress of repeated coughing.
7.) Also get a opinion from a Gynaecologist if you experience severe vaginal bleeding.
8.) Since you have low body iron, eat healthy nutritious balanced diet which should include fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables.
9.) Avoid stress, practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
10.) Exercise regularly for 30 to 40 minutes daily, this will boost your immunity.
11.) Stick to your treatment plan and go for regular follow up.

Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries.


Wish you Good Health.

Take Care.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Tauseef.