Hypersensitivity -- any help would be appreciated (if you've been told you have this or suggestions for if I'm on the right path)!

[Desperate4Diagnosis]

I just completed a Bronchoscopy. The doctor told me that when the scope nudged some mucous in my lungs that there was a strong reaction that suggests hypersensitivity.

Has anyone been told they have hypersensitivity such as this and if so, what did you do or take?

They said I should keep a daily journal of things I come into contact with to identify what chemical may be contributing to my immune system reaction. He said it may require medication and injections to help control my sensitivity.

My three-long year issue which prompted the procedure is coughing after food and exercise. It is a productive cough and I can't get relief until I can get the wad that has built up coughed out. My phlegm can be blood-tinged if I eat certain things, but is otherwise yellow.

I've done numerous tests- endoscopy, methacholine challenge, pulmonary lung function test, spirometry, high resolution chest x-rays, sinus CT, food senstvty test, etc.

[Hidden]

The CT scan should have shown any lung damage which would indicated to a specialist respiratory consultant (pulmonologist) the diagnosis of the problem.

Generally regarding Lung disease;

Yellow sputum (coughed up) would indicate infection for which antibiotics and prednisolone are prescribed, but having the sputum tested before the antibiotics are started would show what bacteria is breading in the lungs and this can determine the appropriate antio biotic to be prescribed.

Blood in the sputum (phlegm ) should be discussed with your GP.

To help keep mucus thin and more easily coughed up for sputum sample always drink plenty of water and discuss with your doctor about a prescription for a mucolytic medicine IF you have this problem on a regular basis.

When airways narrow its common for a cough reaction (people diagnosed with an airway issues / breathing problem are usually prescribed broncho dilators|) again talk with your doctor.

Coughing after food could also be because the airways have narrowed.

No one here is a medical professional so can only advise you from their own experience of living with lung disease and breathing issues. So generally you need a specialist respiratory consultant to diagnose what your problem may be. In UK referral to a specialist is through your GP.

In a previous post you say you have had this problem since 2017. Really you should have had a diagnosis by now, especially since you have had a CT scan. Ask your doctor what is on file from the CT scan what was the diagnosis? Ask for a copy of the CT scan.

[Desperate4Diagnosis in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so very much for the response. I have a copy of all my medical records. Unfortunately the CT scan was normal.

I drink 100 ounces of water a day, so I think I'm good on that front. I'll look into a mucolytic medicine. Thanks!!!

[alunrob]

Hello Desperate,I too have hypersensitivity due to inhalation of chicken dust 5 years ago and concrete dust 8 months ago.Any vapour,dust or traffic fumes set off tremendous pain in the lungs.No breathing problems.Am on Clenil 200 permanently and prednisolone when have a crisis,Now a lot of fear about any possible triggers and mostly staying in the house.Lots of anxiety about my predicament and about potential triggers.I am really finding this very difficult.Best wishes to you all.

[Desperate4Diagnosis in reply to alunrob]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. I too have lots of anxiety about potential triggers. I hope your medication makes a difference for you.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[kibera in reply to Desperate4Diagnosis]

I also have hypersensitivity and I think I have had it a number of years and its lead to lung scarring. I am not on any medication as the consultant said medication has unpleasant side effects and to avoid if I can. I have breathlessness all the time, cough and fatigue from time to time. Like Alunrob, traffic fumes are a problem for me and so are oily chemical vapours The consultant suggested 'perfume smells in a department stores' might be a trigger (among other things) - last weekend we went to a garden centre to buy a houseplant but the smell from their Christmas scented candles affected me within minutes so I had to get out of there quickly! I try to be outdoors as much as I can, I have an allotment and go their most days, I can't do very much because of breathlessness but its a very calming place to be, and I feed and watch the birds, and wander around our community wildlife area - my little bit of countryside in an urban area.

[alunrob in reply to kibera]

Hello kibera,hypersensitivity causes me terrible inflammation and chest pain.On clenil 200 permanently which helps but upon a trigger it is ineffe time.Then I'm on prednisolone for 10 days and paracetamol or cocodamol.The resultant anxiety about the pain and meeting triggers are real problems.Largely confined to the house-traffic fumes are everywhere and are my biggest trigger.My best wishes to you.

[Patk1 in reply to alunrob]

Xxx

[Patk1 in reply to alunrob]

Xxx

[Patk1]

Ive got what my consultant calls " hyper reactive airways disease" ie v twitchy,sensitive airways - in addition to variet of other lung and airway diseases

[Desperate4Diagnosis]

Sorry to hear that! I think I must have something similar.

[Patk1]

Im pleased yr ct was normal,thats excellent.personally,i dnt have any specific treatment for hyper reactive airways disease.but it accounts for sudden acute bronchospasms etc.im not aware of triggers & not been discussed.on similar vein,i have vcd( vocal chord dysfunction) - airways all v sensitive & again,vocal chords/ airways in throat,close literally to a pin hole. V deep,slow breathing,exhaling v slowly thro pursed lips does eventually relax airways.gd job i dont panic! I just do what i have to,and remain calmIv always had allergies causing rhino sinusitis,so i choose to take otc antihistamine.hope my explanations may help u.sometimes,just have to accept this IS how u are,& finding ways to cope with these " events" x

[Desperate4Diagnosis in reply to Patk1]

Thanks for mentioning the slow breathing and exhaling through pursed lips. I feel like that is usually helpful. I need to make a practice of doing it more often.

Cheers

[Patk1 in reply to Desperate4Diagnosis]

Great.it is hard looking for answers. Yes,do practise when yr sat relaxing so it becomes 2nd nature to use it when u need to.hyper reactive airways,vcd etc is tough.bronchospasm is v difficult but relaxation and the breathing does work.dont think its nog a diagnosis - it is.im just pleased no other damage is in yr lungs - the scan result is really good news.do u have sslbutamol and a steroid inhaler to help reduce inflammation in airways + dilate them.if so,do ask for the aero chamber( a sm spacer type device)to use with them as u get more of the dose using them

[Patk1 in reply to Patk1]

Ps i forgot to say,i have to get mucous up after eating too.ive always put it down to bronchiectasis but youve made me think it could be this,too

[Desperate4Diagnosis in reply to Patk1]

Yeah, I supposedly have no bronchiectasis, so I guess its just my hypersensitivity, for some reason its not as severe if I eat food at home rather than eating out and if I avoid anything resembling dairy.

Starting as you say to just accept it is what it is.

[Patk1]

Its tough with any airway/lung problem.it is a case of accepting it,adjusting to restrictions and learning coping strategies.its a lot to take in.dont feel yr being fobbed off,yr not.its not an easy diagnosis,far from it. I hope u can learn coping strategies and access any treatments available.id be interested to see how u get on x

[Desperate4Diagnosis]

Thank you so much

[Patk1 in reply to Desperate4Diagnosis]

Do u have nose or sinus probs,hayfever etc x

[Desperate4Diagnosis in reply to Patk1]

Yes, nose problems, hayfever, seasonal allergies, other allergies. I take a daily antihistamine which helps some, but certainly during one of my episodes of difficulty with mucus, cough, wheezing, congestion, I notice that my nose will get stuffy as well.

[Patk1]

No surprise there! No wonder yr airways in lungs r sensitive too.keep a record of when upper airways n lungs are gd,bad same as ea other.u will probably see a link.do mention whn u see dr/ specialist next.sudafed or similar decongestant,r great for nasal n sinus congestion.u may need stronger or alternative antihistamines,possibly dr may give u steroid nasal spray and puffers." Its good to talk"

[Desperate4Diagnosis]

Thanks for the communication!