Is it an infection or allergies
Posted , 6 users are following.
For the past couple of weeks I have developed a cough, runny nose and fatigue. My snot is clear and I can't get anything up with a cough. When I exert myself my oxygen level goes down. I've also had to use my nebulizer more often. I am not running a fever. I saw my primary doctor who felt sure that it was allergies. But that doesn't explain my fatigue. I am also taking montelukast and an allergy nasal spray. Should I go see my pulmonologist?
0 likes, 15 replies
gary87790 amkoffee
Posted
I can't make a decision on whether it would be wise to see the pulmonologist , but I'm having the same symptoms. Bronchiectasis can explain the fatigue and the cough. I don't know if bronchiectasis will explain the runny nose. It may be we are both experiencing an exacerbation.
estelle44124 amkoffee
Posted
with SJORGRENS SYNDROME I have bronchiectasis. They often go together. and I have a runny nose quite often even though my eeyes are so dry.
amkoffee estelle44124
Posted
I also have SS. My nose is usually dry as are my eyes mouth and ears. I don't think I even produce much wax in my ears. Maybe I am having an allergic reaction and at the same time a chest infection.
estelle44124 amkoffee
Posted
I make no wax either. never gave that a thought over the years. wonder if that's connected to tinnitus in any way?
as for mucus. My pulmonary consultant referred me to a specialist physio who taught me how to half my pulmonary consultant referred me to a specialist physio who taught me how to huff , an exercise I do briefly every day. Check that out.
https://www.cff.org/Life-With-CF/Treatments-and-Therapies/Airway-Clearance/Coughing-and-Huffing/
amkoffee estelle44124
Posted
I have to admit that I don't do this but I'm going to start doing it. I have never had any pulmonary physio. I watched a YouTube video last night on huffing so I've started that. I have a flutter device but don't use it.
elizabeth49611 amkoffee
Posted
I would check with your pulmonary specialist. If you are not coughing up anything, my experience is that the mucus needs to loosen up or be thinned. In the past, my mucus would be so thick that I had a hard time coughing it up. Try a decongestion over-the-counter med if you can't get to the specialist soon.
Beth
CrimsonCrow amkoffee
Posted
My pulmonologist has told me that any snot or phlegm that's white or clear is likely indicative of allergies or inflammation, that infectious secretions are more usually colored.
That said, with the non-productive cough (which certainly doesn't help the fatigue!) and drop in O2 levels...yeah, I think a visit to your pulmonologist would be appropriate.
debra_28257 amkoffee
Posted
Yes, don't wait like I did, I can't cough up mucus because my airways are scared from a bronchial infection and mucus stayed in my airways and I got Pseudomonas infection that spread to my lungs, it's very important that you move your mucus and keep your airways clear, I wish I would of gone to a Pulmonologist sooner
amkoffee debra_28257
Posted
I'm sorry that that happened to you. I've heard of others with that same condition.
gary87790 amkoffee
Posted
Are you using Mucinex? When I'm not using Mucinex I have an unproductive cough, but when I take Mucinex (as the pulmonary doctor told me to) I'm able to cough up the phlegm and I breath better.
amkoffee gary87790
Posted
My pulmonologist gave me the go ahead too but I got cheap and stopped using it. I just started it back up.
gary87790 amkoffee
Posted
I use a generic Mucinex, available in Walmart and Sam's. It costs less and works fine.
debra_28257 amkoffee
Posted
I have scarring in my airways and I can't cough up mucus so I have to blow in my acapella that vibrates my airways and clears my mucus.
amkoffee debra_28257
Posted
The very nature of bronchiectasis is scaring in the lungs. I too have scaring in a few places.
gary87790 amkoffee
Posted
I also use the acapella as recommended by my pulmonologist. It helps