HomeAnswersGeneral Medicineallergic asthmaWhat kind of treatment do I need to get rid of hay fever, chest tightness and cough?

What could be the cause of my chest tightness, wheezing and cough?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Nagaraj

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 13, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have hay fever and have recently noticed symptoms of chest tightness and a feeling of being unable to empty my lungs except with significant effort. I have also seen some wheezing when forcefully emptying my lungs and coughing after a few attempts. I also sometimes suffer from throat tightness. I am currently taking 5 mg of Singular (Montelukast) daily. Do you think it is necessary to seek more acute treatment like an inhaler? I have uploaded two videos of myself trying to exhale forcefully.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Nagaraj

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your concern, and I have a few questions before commenting on anything. First, do you have any family history of asthma? Second, when do you experience your symptoms more (during which part of the day) (morning or night)? Third, do you experience these symptoms worse during any seasons?

If you have any lung function tests done previously, please send them.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your reply. My family does not have a history of asthma, although my mother also has seasonal allergies like me. The symptoms are only there during the allergy season. The symptoms seem to worsen during the day, although I sometimes have a cough in the morning. I have not had any lung function tests done, and I have not been in contact with an ENT since childhood, although I suffer from quite bad seasonal allergies, which is why I was prescribed Montelukast and Levocetirizine. I hope you have seen the video I attached; I have some wheezing if I try to expel the air in my lungs forcefully. Although I can still breathe 'normally,' I feel tightness in the chest and feel it is difficult to empty my lungs fully.

Best regards.

Answered by Dr. Nagaraj

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I did go through the video (attachments removed to protect the patient's privacy). Although it is not labored or difficult breathing, expiration is prolonged compared to inspiration. This is typical of obstructive lung disease. One of the causes could be bronchial asthma. Your symptoms also fit into the same. Going by pattern of breathing, symptoms, and family history of bronchial asthma would be first on my list. I suggest you visit a pulmonologist or an internal medicine specialist for proper treatment. It may require an X-ray chest, pulmonary function test, some routine blood tests, and a clinical examination to ascertain the diagnosis. Treatment will be initiated once the diagnosis is confirmed. Even if it turns out to be asthma, do not worry much. Much better treatment options are available, which can help you be symptom-free. Although avoiding the allergen is the best treatment. However, identifying the allergen is very difficult.

I hope my few points have helped you.

Take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Nagaraj
Dr. Nagaraj

Diabetology

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