I posted earlier that I was experiencing shortness of breath and chest-tightness that--together with an EKG and various other in-office tests performed by my GP physician--suggested a heart murmur. Following the later review of the results of a thoracic ultrasound performed at a local hospital by a "sonographer," a cardiologist's report concluded that the damage to the mitral valve was "mild to moderate." Great relief. Meanwhile ...
My GP earlier had suggested that if the cause of my symptoms were not heart-related, I might have some species of asthma. Pending further examination, my GP earlier suggested that I begin taking Claritin (loratadine) to relieve the asthma symptoms. Though Claritin does not aggravate my RLS (I routinely have taken Claritin for seasonal allergies without illl effect), it has done nothing to relieve my current breathing difficulties.
My next appointment with my GP is in a few days. If she does prescribe some medicine for asthma, is there a list of asthma medicines that do or do not aggravate RLS?
HI, Madlegs1, and thanks for quick reply. That is my understanding regarding the over-the-counter asthma medicines. While researching, there appear to be a whole bunch of Rx medicines, some of which boast that they have fewer side effects than others.
The Mayo Clinic has on its website a detailed description of various types of asthma medications, side effects, etc., but nary a mention of RLS. mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...
Thanks, Madlegs1. I looked over one or more published lists. Though there were lists of various medicines that aggravated RLS, the lists that I found were conspicuous in their omission of any reference to asthma. Be well.
I have the following in my list as OK for RLS: Ventolin HFA, which is mentioned in the Mayo article although 1 person said it made RLS worse, Uniphyllin - a broncodilator, Symbicort - an inhaler, Singulair (Montelukast) - anti- inflammatory that prevents asthma attacks and Bambuterol - an adrenoceptor which may help RLS. There are differing opinions as to whether steroids and corticosteroids may make RLS worse. Prednisone is a steroid.
Thanks, much SueJohnson. I printed and will bring to my GP this Wednesday. Thus far, she has impressed me with her knowledge of RLS and treatment options. She may have some already in mind. Yeah, some things affect some folks with RLS, while others don't.
My theory (per your separate comments on "Pain" and the various replies to same, is that there are various sub-categories of RLS: some accompanied by pain, others discomfort; some sufferers have no conscious control over movement, others do; and some are idiopathic, while others are primary. This may explain why pregabalin works for me (actual pain in addition to creepy/crawly sensation).
"Hopefully," my GP will refer me to a pulmonologist for further evaluation and treatment. Worst case is that she also will refer me to a cardiologist for follow-up on heart issue. Though only "mild moderate mitral valve regurgitation," the available literature discussing same variously recommends a "wait and see" attitude v. "prompt medical intervention" to avoid further heart damage. The cynic in me is reminded again of the 1950's craze for unnecessary tonsillectomies, then unnecessary appendectomies, until ultimate pushback when--after the supply of tonsils and appendixes had been exhausted, they urged unnecessary ("preventative") gall bladder removal.
But are you still short of breath? No oxymeter measure? Chest x-ray? If you are already relieved, then my bad. Otherwise, I would look to have it managed. Identifying the cause is fine, making sure you can breath properly is another thing
Good morning, Enjoy2013, and thanks for your questions.
Yes, I still am short of breath. Oddly, the "asthma" was induced by/manifested coincident with a short run/fast walk that I had in the rain following my first appointment with my new general practice doctor almost one month ago. Being exercised-induced, my research suggested that it should have subsided following rest. It did not!
I never before in my life had shortness of breath of this nature, even following jogging, walking stairs, heavy exertion. Odd that it only recently appeared--and did so with increasing vengeance. Symptoms consistent with asthma that I now am experiencing include back pain, constricted nasal passages, tightness in chest, shortness of breath, coughing while I lay down, etc. I thought that it might just be my seasonal allergies. But pollen count is "0" today, and I have been in same residence for past decade.
Oxymeter? I am not familiar with that term. I infer it is breath-volume-measuring device. I sent a message to doctor (whom I will see this afternoon) to ask that our agenda be enlarged to include allergies and asthma. Not sure time will permit.
Best case scenario: Allergic reaction to something. Worst case scenario: asthma and referral to pulmonologist. Tough I no longer fear heart surgery due to my interpretation of cardiologist's conclusions, I hope that no further referrals are necessary in that regard.
I'll get back to all as I learn more. Thanks again. Be well.
HI, All. Thanks for your replies.
Primary Care GP very conscientious and conservative. Following exam (no oxymeter), her preliminary observation was that it may not be asthma. Similarly, following review of results of thoracic ultrasound, her preliminary observation was that it may not be heart related. She leaned toward some as yet undetermined allergic reaction. In the interest of caution, she referred me to a cardiologist and a pulmonologist.
I did discuss with her my concern that any asthma medicine not make my RLS worse (even gave her a printed, paper copy of the literal text of SueJohnson's reply). Though we chatted about the potential need of maintenance or short-term inhalers for the treatment of asthma, at this time, she preferred not to prescribe. As an interim measure--and since Claritin (loratamide) didn't seem to be helping--she recommended Nasocort (allergy nasal spracy) that I have begun taking.
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