Anyone experience THROAT TIGHTENING/BREATHING DIFFICULTY with allergic rhinitis?

Question

When my allergies are bad I experience throat tightening/breathing problems. I have very mild asthma and all throat and chest tests were normal. It seems as if allergens are causing my throat to swell making breathing difficult. I do use inhalers for this with only varied benefit (sometimes it helps and somtimes not). Any suggestions or advice? I have always had bad allergies, recent sinusitis and recent thraot tightening (past 2 years or so). Thanks!

Answer 1

You may be experiencing VCD.

There is a condition called VCD (Vocal Cord Dysfunction). It is a condition where your throat spasms and your larynx (vocal cords) constrict. This causes a wheezing sound on inspiration and a feeling that it's difficult to get air IN. This is different than the tightness of asthma in that with asthma you have difficulty getting air OUT).

VCD, though scary feeling, is not dangerous like asthma. It can be controlled through breathing exercises, and some specific relaxation techniques.

The thing about VCD is that the same things that trigger asthma (allergies, smoke, changes in temperature, exercise, etc.) can also trigger VCD.

To an untrained physician, VCD can be mistaken as asthma. It's not asthma, though it can kind of look like asthma. I have treated hundreds of patients who were diagnosed with asthma who were also experiencing VCD and thought it was their asthma that was not responding, when in fact, it was the VCD component all along.

VCD is treated differently. It isn't a disease. It's a dysunction of your vocal cords. They just close off when they should be opening. You need to retrain them to stay open.

If you're interested, you can email me and I can discuss VCD and its treatment in detail with you.

[e-mail]

Answer 2

Probably the best option is every day use of nasal steroids. There are a number of these, I have found Nasonex the best, and it is only once daily, there are no issues with long term use. Another option that is sometimes successful is o take one Singulair tablet at night. In the states this has both a solo asthma licence and a rhinitis licence. The UK licence is a little blurred and currently tends to suggest its use in asthmatics who also have rhinitis. It is not a steroid and rarely has any side effects. It does however have a percentage total fail rate, unlike nasal steroids which will at least reduce symptoms in all patients, if not remove them. Some GPs are happy prescribe Singulair others would stick rigidly to the licenced use.

Answer 3

I have *horrible* allergies this time of year too and yes, when it is really bad, I get that throat tightening thing and it is kinda scary.

What helps is to try to keep cold, and i mean ICE COLD liquids going down your throat as often as possible, for me this helps shrink the tissue, I think. I get those freezer ice pops and nibble on those.

Also, a hot steamy shower helps...really let it steam and breathe all that, it helps as well.

Now, I'll tell you about a drug that changed my life....I had such terrible allergies before and used to wake up with my eyes sealed shut from so much drainage...have to scream for someone to bring me a hot wet washcloth so I could get them open it was that bad.

The drug I take now for allergies is called Beconase, it is an inhaled corticosteroid. It doesn't work all at once, you have to squirt it in your nose and inhale one spray twice a day in each nostril for about five days, and then continue daily. It takes the five days to build up in your system. It works by making your body not recognize the allergens as something to react to.

I have tried Nascort and others, but they have a different active drug. The only ones that have ever worked for me (and BOY have they...!) are Beconase and Vancenase, both inhaled corticosteroids.

Good luck! Been there, done that, and WOW does it suck :-(

Answer 4

You need to see an allergist right away to discuss this. You should avoid all allergens that cause this reaction. If you do not know for sure what is triggering this you may need to be retested. You may be a good candidate for allergy shots to lessen the risk of a reaction. You may also need to get and learn to use an Epipen. These symptoms are consistent with anaphylactic reactions and can be life threatening. So - you will call the doctor tomorrow for an appointment OK???? Please???

My daughter has similar reaction to all pitted fruits and melons. She has had allergy shots in the past and rarely has a problem now.

Answer 5

You don't say what other medicines you are taking. Your symptoms sound like inflammation of the lining of your airways,which narrows the airway and causes that feeling of tightness-when the bronchodilators in the inhaler opens your airways this alleviates the problem somewhat. An inhaled steroid might also help by decreasing the swelling-I tell my patients it's like putting hydrocortisone on a rash. I imagine you also take antihistamines for your allergies-have you tried a leukotriene inhibitor(e.g. Singulair)? These are possibilities to explore and the suggestion of seeing an allergist(if you haven't already) is also good.Good luck!

Answer 6

yes that happened to me for the first time,you see i was in another country and i ate a whole group odf mangos withought knowing i was allergic then the next day i felt dizzy cold and had anervous break down because i Knew i wasnt breathing right i didnt even feel like myself i told everyone but they said i was getting paranoid. the thing is when you are allergic to something sometimes your throat can feel like its closing and you might have trouble breathing. :-)

Answer 7

We are not doctors. Go see an Ear Nose and Throat specialist or a Doctor who specializes in allergies. Asking and following any medical advice or suggestions from non professionals on a web site is not a very smart idea.

You are going to get a dozen different diagnosis and suggestions for a dozen medicines. Internet treatment is not treatment or a diagnosis at all.

Each person is different and has different issues. It is unwise to take medications that people just suggest to you. Go get a complete exam and tests from a real doctor if you want real treatment and help.

Answer 8

I have allergies and use an inhaler for asthma as well.

I thought it was allergies, but wasn't sure why my throat tightens when I'm around certain odors.

Thank you!

Answer 9

omg that is what happened to me. i had been hospitalised three times this year cuz of it. there is not much yuo can do...except allergy shots...also i learned a new breathing technique...you breathe in as though you were breathing through a straw...and breathe out normally. it makes is easier. make sure when u breathe in u can hear ur breath...also dont take deep breaths, just breath normally or u will get light headed

Answer 10

Yes-- you really need to see an allergist. Sometimes shots can help stop the extreme reactions. If you are having an acute flare-up, they may put you on temporary steroids to take down the inflammation.