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I Have A Mild Cough , Mild Heaviness In My

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Posted on Tue, 21 Apr 2020
Twitter Tue, 21 Apr 2020 Answered on
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Question : I have a mild cough, mild heaviness in my chest, mild sore throat, and tiredness. Some days it is worse than others. On a scale of 1-10, the heaviness level in my chest is usually at a 4 or below, but sometimes it seems to be heavier and more like around a 7/10.

I am almost certain this is due to allergies because I tend to experience daily allergies and even heavier symptoms during the spring. I recently moved to a different climate than what my body was used to, and this is my first Spring, so I have thought that is why my chest and ability to breathe feels impacted.

I have a known dustmite allergy and I take Zyrtec daily and have most recently been using the nasal spray, Azelastine. On a daily basis, I experience itchy read eyes, inconsistent nasal congestion, sneezes, and excessive ear wax, and these symptoms have been going on for years.

However, I was sick with an unknown illness back around March 18th. I did develop a very mild cough then, and the illness seemed to last only four days. I thought the cough went away with my other symptoms of a sore throat, body aches, fever, and slight stomach upset. After a couple of days of feeling like I was much better, around March 25th, I began to experience a little bit of a stronger cough that included a heaviness in my high chest, a sore throat and fatigue. But since my other illness symptoms were gone, I have thought it was just allergies, and consulted with a doctor on here, who thought it was most likely the same.

My questions are:

1. Do allergies make you tired?
2. Also, amid all of the Covid-19 pandemic, is it okay to go to the doctor for allergies that are causing this type of mild chest discomfort? It's typically at a 3 or 4/10, but some moments it gets really heavy and jumps to around maybe a 6 or 7/10.
3. What would be some at home remedies to help relieve the tightness in my chest?

I just want to not feel tired and not have this heaviness in my chest. It seems like I've been sick for the past month.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, you should definitely consult pulmonologist in person.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the detailed history you have given.
Yes, possibility of allergic rhinitis is more likely in your case.
But recent cough and chest tightness are more suggestive of asthma.

Answer to your 1st question.

Yes, allergies can cause tiredness. Actually it is one type of inflammation.

Answer to your 2nd question.

Yes, you should definitely consult pulmonologist in person and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT will not only diagnose asthma but it will also tell you severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. Take all your precautions.

Answer to your 3rd question.

At home you can try warm water gargles and steam inhalation 4-5 times a day. Do deep breathing exercise etc to relieve chest tightness.

Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 14993 Questions

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I Have A Mild Cough , Mild Heaviness In My

Brief Answer: Yes, you should definitely consult pulmonologist in person. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum. I can understand your concern. I have gone through the detailed history you have given. Yes, possibility of allergic rhinitis is more likely in your case. But recent cough and chest tightness are more suggestive of asthma. Answer to your 1st question. Yes, allergies can cause tiredness. Actually it is one type of inflammation. Answer to your 2nd question. Yes, you should definitely consult pulmonologist in person and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT will not only diagnose asthma but it will also tell you severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. Take all your precautions. Answer to your 3rd question. At home you can try warm water gargles and steam inhalation 4-5 times a day. Do deep breathing exercise etc to relieve chest tightness. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.