Experiencing Prolonged Asthma Symptoms: Seeking Relief
I’m a 26-year-old woman with a height of 5'5" and weighing 135 pounds. I routinely take melatonin each night, along with vitamins D and C on alternate days—though I often forget. I previously relied on a superbra inhaler for a short period until my doctor prescribed me albuterol. My social drinking habits have changed; I’ve gone from occasional drinks to averaging 5-7 weekly. I don’t smoke due to my asthma, and I discontinued taking Vyvanse about six weeks ago. Around five weeks ago, I began to feel unusually fatigued. Notably, my sister had similar symptoms a fortnight prior. A week later, I experienced mild asthma symptoms for the first time in years, sparking a series of episodes that started sporadically. My superbra inhaler managed to assist me during those initial occurrences. However, I sometimes felt that the inhaler was ineffective or even made my condition worse, particularly after developing oral thrush, which led me to reduce its usage. Recently, over the past two weeks, I’ve been experiencing persistent shallow breathing, which is quite alarming to the point of tears; yet, crying exacerbates my breathing difficulties. I consulted my physician last Friday, who reassured me that my blood tests were normal and my lungs and heart sounded healthy. I received a nebulizer treatment that yielded minimal relief, along with an albuterol prescription, a short steroid regimen, and the suggestion to use nasal spray. Those treatments provided relief—but only temporarily. My breathing worsens notably when I lie down at night or during the day when I’m stationary. Staying active helps distract me, but the discomfort tends to return unexpectedly. Each morning, I can breathe comfortably, yet I notice some soreness in my sternum when I take deep breaths. I’ve become aware that the more I focus on my breathing, the shallower it becomes. Currently, the pollen levels in my area have surged to around 2500, and I’m also situated near wildfire-affected regions, although recent rain has improved that situation significantly. Should I be more concerned about these symptoms? Could it be related to acid reflux, especially given my increased stress and drinking? I've read posts on the asthma subreddit where others have had similar experiences that resolved over time, but I can’t shake the anxiety. Would it be wise to revisit urgent care?
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 3:30:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort with your asthma symptoms and some concerning changes in your health. Given your recent experiences of shallow breathing, fatigue, and increased anxiety, it's important to address these issues calmly and effectively.
Overview
Your symptoms may indeed be connected to various factors, including asthma flare-ups, possible effects of acid reflux, stress, and environmental irritants like pollen and smoke. Recent changes in your drinking habits and the report of oral thrush may also contribute to your current condition, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to manage your asthma and overall health.
Explanation
Asthma symptoms can worsen due to a variety of reasons:
- Environmental Triggers: High pollen levels and nearby wildfires can lead to increased respiratory issues.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid reflux can irritate the airways and might be exacerbated by stress and alcohol consumption.
- Stress and Anxiety: Worrying about breathing can create a cycle of shallow breathing, which in turn raises anxiety and discomfort.
Since you’ve received medical reassurance, it’s essential to focus on managing your symptoms proactively. Your current medications (albuterol and steroids) can help, but additional lifestyle and self-care steps may provide further relief.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your asthma symptoms— note when they intensify (e.g., lying down or during inactivity) and potential triggers like food, drink, or emotional stress.
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Limit Irritants: Try to avoid alcohol and smoking altogether, as both can aggravate respiratory issues and may contribute to acid reflux.
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Manage Acid Reflux:
- Consider eating smaller meals that are low in fat and avoiding spicy or acidic foods.
- If you suspect that acid reflux is a factor, elevate your head with extra pillows at night to help with breathing.
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Practice Controlled Breathing: Employ calming techniques, such as deep belly breathing or mindfulness exercises, to help manage anxiety and promote more relaxed, deeper breaths.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and hydrate your throat, which may help alleviate some irritation.
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Consider a Follow-Up: Given the persistent symptoms, if things do not improve in a week or worsen, returning to your healthcare provider or urgent care would be prudent.
Your health is important, and paying attention to your body’s signals is crucial. If you feel overwhelmed or if new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek medical assistance. Take care, and let me know if you have more questions or need further guidance.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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