Includes Expert Content
Asthma and chest tightness
thjay posted:
Hi,
I am a 35 year old female. I have been an asthmatic for 15 years now and i have well controlled it using inhalers twice a day. I have been using Advair 250/50 twice a day for past 3 years. Earlier i was using the same medication and dosage in the inhaler form. I am also doing breathing exercise (yoga) atleast 5 times a week. My breathing feels a lot better with yoga. But i feel my chest tightness has not improved over the years. I was hoping that breathing exercises may help to release tightness in the chest. Does anyone have any suggestions or remedies for this? Am I missing anything?
I am a 35 year old female. I have been an asthmatic for 15 years now and i have well controlled it using inhalers twice a day. I have been using Advair 250/50 twice a day for past 3 years. Earlier i was using the same medication and dosage in the inhaler form. I am also doing breathing exercise (yoga) atleast 5 times a week. My breathing feels a lot better with yoga. But i feel my chest tightness has not improved over the years. I was hoping that breathing exercises may help to release tightness in the chest. Does anyone have any suggestions or remedies for this? Am I missing anything?
4 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Asthma and chest tightnessHi,<br /> <br />I am a 35 year old female. I have been an asthmatic for 15 years now and i have well controlled it using inhalers twice a day. I have been using Advair 250/50 twice a day for past 3 years. Earlier i was using the same medication and dosage in the inhaler form. I am also doing breathing exercise (yoga) atleast 5 times a week. My breathing feels a lot better with yoga. But i feel my chest tightness has not improved over the years. I was hoping that breathing exercises may help to release tightness in the chest. Does anyone have any suggestions or remedies for this? Am I missing anything?
cmcjcc2468 responded:
Hi,
I am a 15 year old with severe asthma (being hospitalized multiple times a year, and out of school) and i agree yoga is the bomb!
but when i am feeling tight, i use exercises that make sure my vocal folds arent contributing. Sometimes your vocal cords dont stay open as you are trying to breathe making me either tight or wheezy.
When this happens, (i can now differentiate between asthma and vocal problems, but when i first learned i had this, it was very hard to tell.) I do these 3 exercises:
I usually find this helps if it is there. And if not, i then go for the nebulizer.
I hope this helps a little.
Much luck!
I am a 15 year old with severe asthma (being hospitalized multiple times a year, and out of school) and i agree yoga is the bomb!
but when i am feeling tight, i use exercises that make sure my vocal folds arent contributing. Sometimes your vocal cords dont stay open as you are trying to breathe making me either tight or wheezy. When this happens, (i can now differentiate between asthma and vocal problems, but when i first learned i had this, it was very hard to tell.) I do these 3 exercises:
- Sniff 3 times (not little ones big obnoxious ones.)
- Take 5 deep breaths through pursed lips (like drinking a milk shake) and out through the nose
- Labored breathing, Take a breath, and then as exhaling go Puff Puff Puff (dont actually say puff, but break the exhale into 3 parts like you are in labor)
I usually find this helps if it is there. And if not, i then go for the nebulizer.
I hope this helps a little.
Much luck!Report This| Share this:Asthma and chest tightnessHi,<br />I am a 15 year old with severe asthma (being hospitalized multiple times a year, and out of school) and i agree yoga is the bomb! <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/grin.gif" align="top" border="0"> but when i am feeling tight, i use exercises that make sure my vocal folds arent contributing. Sometimes your vocal cords dont stay open as you are trying to breathe making me either tight or wheezy. <br /><b>When this happens,</b> (i can now differentiate between asthma and vocal problems, but when i first learned i had this, it was very hard to tell.) <b>I do these 3 exercises: </b><br /><ol><li><b>Sniff 3 times (not little ones big obnoxious ones.)</b></li><li><b>Take 5 deep breaths through pursed lips (like drinking a milk shake) and out through the nose</b></li><li><b>Labored breathing, Take a breath, and then as exhaling go Puff Puff Puff (dont actually say puff, but break the exhale into 3 parts like you are in labor)</b></li></ol><br />I usually find this helps if it is there. And if not, i then go for the nebulizer. <br /><br />I hope this helps a little. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"> Much luck!
abbymay16 responded:
If you are still experiencing chest tightness you may not be taking a high enough dose of the inhaler steroid. Advair comes in a 500/50 dosage. Might be time to talk with your doctor. Chest tightness is an indicator your asthma is not well controlled.
Mattie
Mattie
Vive Bene, Spesso L'Amore, Di Risata Molto
(live well, love much, laugh often)
Report This| Share this:Asthma and chest tightnessIf you are still experiencing chest tightness you may not be taking a high enough dose of the inhaler steroid. Advair comes in a 500/50 dosage. Might be time to talk with your doctor. Chest tightness is an indicator your asthma is not well controlled.<br /> <br />Mattie
thjay replied to cmcjcc2468's response:
Thanks for your reply. It's interesting to know that vocal cords have play a role in asthma. I did not know about it. I will try the excersies that you suggested. I do practise labored breathing, for 20 counts each time and I also understand from my yoga teacher that it is very effective. I'm glad you suggested the same thing.
Nebulizer is a good alternative too. I have one at home. I probbaly should use it during winter times.
Nebulizer is a good alternative too. I have one at home. I probbaly should use it during winter times.
Report This| Share this:Asthma and chest tightnessThanks for your reply. It's interesting to know that vocal cords have play a role in asthma. I did not know about it. I will try the excersies that you suggested. I do practise labored breathing, for 20 counts each time and I also understand from my yoga teacher that it is very effective. I'm glad you suggested the same thing. <br /> <br />Nebulizer is a good alternative too. I have one at home. I probbaly should use it during winter times.
Dear thjay, hope your breathing symptoms are doing better. I recommend that you visit your doctor to discuss your symptoms. If they are caused by asthma, then perhaps a medication adjustment is needed. Your doctor can also investigate other potential contributions. Vocal cord dynsfunction can mimick asthma as discussed below. Do you have acid reflux or heartburn symptoms? Are you taking any medications for heartburn? Do you get any relief from your rescue inhaler? Do you have post nasal drip?
Report This| Share this:Asthma and chest tightnessDear thjay, hope your breathing symptoms are doing better. I recommend that you visit your doctor to discuss your symptoms. If they are caused by asthma, then perhaps a medication adjustment is needed. Your doctor can also investigate other potential contributions. Vocal cord dynsfunction can mimick asthma as discussed below. Do you have acid reflux or heartburn symptoms? Are you taking any medications for heartburn? Do you get any relief from your rescue inhaler? Do you have post nasal drip?
Helpful Tips
Asthma Inhalers
There are several types of inhalers for asthma. Some inhalers (inhaled steroids) are controller medications that are used on a daily basis ... More
Was this Helpful?
118
of
148 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit the Duke Health Asthma and Allergies Center
Other Asthma Information
More Related Exchanges
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.