Are continuous wheezing and coughing symptoms of asthma?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 43-year-old female, and I have been having a severe cough, especially at night. I also experience wheezing, which keeps me from sleeping, and in the early morning, I get a runny nose. The symptoms improve during the day but return at night. Could this be an allergic issue, or does it need treatment? I am a little worried about asthma.

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Do you have repeated episodes of cough, nasal symptoms, and shortness of breath? Are your symptoms intermittent with sudden, severe attacks in between? Do your symptoms worsen when exposed to fumes or dust?

If the answer to these questions is yes, you may be suffering from bronchial asthma with allergic rhinitis. The key to treatment is using inhaled medications regularly with proper technique and dosage for adequate asthma control.

Investigations recommended for newly diagnosed asthma and allergic rhinitis:

1. Complete blood count.

2. Serum total IgE (immunoglobulin E).

3. Chest X-ray and X-ray of paranasal sinuses.

4. Pulmonary function test (spirometry pre and post-bronchodilator).

If bronchial asthma with allergic rhinitis is diagnosed, follow these steps:

Use inhalers regularly (twice daily with a spacer, followed by mouthwash) for at least six months. Do not skip doses unless advised by a pulmonologist.
Consult a pulmonologist regularly (at least once a month).
Ensure appropriate vaccinations are up to date.
Manage co-morbid conditions like diabetes, obesity, or gastric reflux, if present.
Perform steam inhalation and warm saline gargles twice daily.
Use Fluticasone nasal spray (one spray in each nostril twice daily for at least two months).
Take Levocetirizine 5 mg (one tablet before bed for seven days only).

Follow up after one week with the investigations or earlier if needed.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Regards.