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I use an Azmacort inhaler every night before I go to bed (I ...
Sent to Health Experts June 15 05:41 PM

I use an Azmacort inhaler every night before I go to bed (I have bronchiectasis). Recently, I have been noticing that I have started "wheezing" louder than usual so if it is quiet, everyone around me can hear it! It gets very embarassing sometimes. I never used to wheeze outloud as much as I am now! Is this coming from using an inhaler too much? Am I using it wrong? How to I get this to stop? My throat feels "clog up" all the time and usually there is a lot of mucus to get rid of. HELP!!

Carol

 

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 53

Already Tried:
Breathing in clove, cinnamon and ? oils mixed with water

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
June 15 5:53 PM (11 minutes and 58 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Dear Carol,

You are not overusing the inhaler.

It is possible that you are developing some bronchospasm.
  • When is the wheezing most pronounced?
  • Is it present when you are in bed?
  • Do you sense a difference in your breathing effort since the wheezing started?
  • Is it more difficult to exhale than to inhale?
  • Is it more difficult to forcefully exhale?
I'll be looking for your reply.

Teaching Doc


What I tell you is what I teach. I'm here to help improve your quality of life, and I'll work with you as long as necessary to help you.

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Doctor Nash -- Professor of Medicine (MD)99% Positive Feedback on 605 Health Accepts
I've been teaching and practicing medicine for more than 40 years.
Reply
June 16 9:18 AM (15 hours and 25 minutes and 9 seconds later)
         
Reply to Teaching Doc's Post: 1. My wheezing is MOST pronounced at bedtime, but can be heard at any time of the day too off and on.

2. Yes, it is present when I first go to bed....then after I have lain down for awhile, things settle down and the wheezing disappears.

3. Yes, I have noticed I breathe faster than normal when the wheezing is going on. At times it feels like I am working with a half tank of air. I can't seem to get enough air.

4. I feel like I'm not inhaling deeply enough. I'm taking shorter breaths.

5. Exhaling doesn't seem to be much of a problem.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 16 5:27 PM (8 hours and 9 minutes and 21 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Hi, Carol.

Your answers make bronchospasm less likely than I thought it would be, but it remains a possibility.

How long have you had bronchiectasis and how did it develop? We don't see it as much as we did 40 years ago.

By any chance, are you running a fever?

TD


What I tell you is what I teach. I'm here to help improve your quality of life, and I'll work with you as long as necessary to help you.

Picture
Doctor Nash -- Professor of Medicine (MD)99% Positive Feedback on 605 Health Accepts
I've been teaching and practicing medicine for more than 40 years.
Reply
June 16 5:47 PM (19 minutes and 26 seconds later)
         
Reply to Teaching Doc's Post: No, I don't have a fever at all. In 1971 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease in the Third Stage together with plural effusion in the left lung. I have been in remission since 1973. To make a long story short, I went through many radiation treatments stemming from the neck to the thighs and over the years, my lungs have gradually gotten worse (the doctors are pretty sure it's from the radiation treatments) I think I was finally diagnosed with bronchiectasis about ten years ago (I started coughing up blood so that tipped me off to the problem). I am a pretty active lady and love to exercise at Curves, take walks, etc. This doesn't seem to bother my breathing right now.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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