Chest tightness/pain

[golden-retriever]

Hi,

After a virus that ended a while ago, my usually well-controlled asthma has become a problem again.

Chest tightness is present most of the time and is painful because it’s so intense. Is there anything I can do to lessen it? Ventolin helps but the intense chest tightness soon returns. It’s like a deep, deep ache and is driving me crazy.

I’m having the usual other asthma stuff including wheezing, breathlessness and breathing through a straw. That also goes away with Ventolin and stays away longer than the chest tightness.

I’m pretty new to asthma. I work for myself from home and carry on working while all this is going on, since thinking about it makes the mental battle a lot harder.

Does anyone know of a way to lessen the aching? Thanks.

[Poobah]

What other asthma meds are you on?

Have you got an asthma plan? A plan gives you a framework for increasing your asthma meds whenever necessary, during & after colds or exacerbations.

Increasing your other asthma meds should help you recover the current flare up but knowing what doses are effective and safe is key, hence the plan.

There's also an option, if your asthma nurse thinks it's suitable, to have an emergency pack of antibiotics and steroids on hand to address any asthma exacerbation that needs robust treatment.

Sounds like you need to see your asthma nurse or GP to get extra help to relieve your current symptoms.

[golden-retriever in reply to Poobah]

Hey poobah, I don’t currently have an action plan, but I do have an appointment with the respiratory dept of my local hospital (on the 27th) to see the consultant and to go through everything.

I’m reluctant to see my GP. He is amazing, but I’m developing another cold and current advice, understandably, is not to go to your GP if you have those symptoms.

Do you think it’s ok to wait it out till the 27th using increased Ventolin?

[Poobah in reply to golden-retriever]

If you only have a Ventolin then you may need an additional asthma med now. I know the current virus news is worrying but you could ask for a telephone consultation with the GP, explain you're asthmatic and are having breathing difficulties, you should get an emergency appointment (same day).

Leaving your current symptoms with just a Ventolin is not wise as things could suddenly get worse. Additional meds will bring things under control. Then when you see the respiratory team you can explain your current symptoms and ask for a plan plus meds.

NB make sure you have a follow up appointment after starting news meds as it's important to review their efficacy and any need to change doses.

Good luck.

[golden-retriever in reply to Poobah]

Thanks again poobah for this stellar advice. I am going to call my GP.

[golden-retriever in reply to Poobah]

I forgot to say that I am already taking preventer medicine. Without it, I was completely out of control and in grave danger.

[Poobah in reply to golden-retriever]

Definitely ask about an Asthma plan so you can increase your preventer inhaler safely to address exacerbations. The plan will also show you when you need to call GP or 999. These plans give us confidence to take the right action at the right time.

[golden-retriever in reply to Poobah]

Thanks so much. I will.

[Hidden]

Hi,

I also suffer from chest tightness which can either feel like a band around my chest or a dull intense pain in the centre of my chest.

I use Ventolin which provides some relief but seldom gets rid of it and doesn’t ease the pain for long. You can take up to a maximum of 8 puffs in a 24 hour period.

I have also used my combined inhaler which helps sometimes. I’ve tried heat and ice which have little effect and find that resting works best until the pain eases.

Sometimes I can attribute the start of it to a trigger such as going out in the cold but most times there doesn’t seem to be a reason which is so frustrating.

A cold shouldn’t stop you going to your doctor, it’s only symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath that people need to avoid contact, a runny or blocked nose is not currently one of the symptoms of the corona virus if that is what you were referring to.

Your appointment with your consultant is best to sort this out if you are able to wait that long with the pain, I would be interested on the feedback you get from your consultant.

Hope all goes well.

[golden-retriever]

Thanks DenBoy for replying and for this great advice. I am going to call my GP and see if he suggests I come in.

I’ll update you on what the consultant says after I see him.