What could be the reason for low peak flow for many years?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 37-year-old female taking Salbutamol whenever required with a history of rhinitis or polyps. Ten weeks back, I started developing new symptoms such as a constant tingling sensation in the lower throat or windpipe, cough, raspy breathing, and chest tightness. Sometimes I feel like I cannot exhale completely and there is no shortness of breath. This causes me a lot of anxiety episodes that last about half an hour. I have prescribed the tablet Omeprazole for suspected acid reflux and waiting for the investigation results from barium swallow and spirometry tests. I have been diagnosed with anxiety and my chest has sounded clear. Also, the peak flow meter at my home level was always around 300 and not during the episodes. Since I always had a low peak flow reading for many years I have been referred for pulmonary function testing. Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your query and understood your concern. It looks like an active symptom of an asthma attack. Salbutamol is a short-acting beta agonist which is why it was not much helpful as it is given in stage 1 asthma. You need a pulmonary function test and based on that we can decide whether a steroid inhaler is needed or not. Nebulizer with Duolin and Budecort (500 mcg dose) can be given twice daily for two days post-food. If possible get a serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and absolute eosinophils count blood test on an empty stomach. Send me a chest X-ray posterior-anterior view and also chest auscultation findings by a pulmonologist. I hope this has helped you. Thanks and regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
The chest X-ray findings will take a while to send. I had a Barium swallow test yesterday and the doctor said I had inter oesophageal dysmotility. This might explain some of the symptoms.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
I had Mucoram pill along with Rhinocort spray. Do they interact?
I sometimes feel difficulty in swallowing solid food. Is H. pylori infection the cause?
I have a pain in the center of my lower abdomen, and my BP is slightly elevated. Why?
Asthma During Pregnancy - Signs, Treatment, and Prevention
Are my chest pain, breathing difficulty, headaches, and dizziness only because of anxiety?
Is Modafinil safe and recommended for sleep problems and hallucinations?
Ask your health query to a doctor online
*guaranteed answer within 4 hours
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.