Bubble

[Kimejenkins]

My chest is tight and I feel and hear bubbling noises from my throat

[Chloe2057]

Dear Kim, l also suffer chronic asthma and have since l was a child of 5 now at 60 (scream) think l understand my own. However, asthma is a highly complicated condition as you know and can be brought on by so many different factors. You will know your asthma best!

However, just a few simple thoughts, have you been in contact with any allergens recently, or maybe you have developed allergies to new stimulus? I am not sure where you are from l am from the UK. The weather, rain and damp play a huge role in my asthma as do Crop sprays which they have been busy throwing on the fields recently where l live.

Have you been to anywhere different? Are you trying to keep a level temperature in your home. When it gets cold as you know our airways reduce in size and makes our breathing harder. You talk of a “bubbly sound” this makes me think one of two things, you may be developing a chest infection? Have you had a cold recently? Or your chest is “trying to throw off allergens”

Do you have a peak flow meter? A device that you breath into to measure your lung capacity? It is good to take your lung capacity when you are having a good day to establish your best reading, then when you feel not so good take it again and see if your capacity has dropped. If it has dropped and continues to do so do see your Doctor IMMEDIATELY or go to Accident & Emergency in an Ambulance if necessary.

Do you use a nebuliser? These can make you sound “bubbly” as you may know. I do “huff” breaths, where l take as much air in as l can and “huff” it out. You would be amazed at the amount of “phlegm” deep breathing and “huffing” produces. Are you especially stressed right now? I also find a warm hot water bottle laid on my chest helps as does breathing exercises l practice in Yoga.

The one thing that helped me enormously was learning to play the flute! Just a couple of years ago!

Asthma can and is frightening and we all know how quickly it can escalate into a serious situation. I am sure you will know how yours escalates? If not please do visit your Doctor and learn as much as you can.

Last thought, have you recently come off a course of oral steroids? Sometimes we can experience what is known as a “re-bound” effect where our breathing dips before picking up again.

Oh golly, l do hope l have given you some food for thought. Please promise me though that if you continue to be worried SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE!

Wishing you well! Please let us know how you get on! 💕 Chloe