Wilbur is a 24 year old male who recently joined a local gym. He has packed on a few pounds over the past few months and his goal is to lose 10 lbs. He decides to go to a spin class which will be his first time ever attending such a class. He used to be a member of the cycle team when he was in high school so he figures this should be a good workout.
However, once the class starts, he feels / hears a high-pitched whistling sensation / sound in his chest. He figures this sensation will pass and he continues for about 10 more minutes. But the sensation continues, and he feels some mild tightness in his chest. This sensation reminds him of how he used to feel when he was younger prior to having an asthma attack, but he thought he had outgrown asthma. Wilbur cannot recall the last time he had an asthma attack, plus he does not even have a rescue inhaler.
To his dismay he leaves the class early and heads home. He wonders if the exercise triggered these symptoms. Wilbur vaguely remembers his pediatrician speaking to him about the importance of controlling his allergies (runny nose, watery/ itchy eyes, itchy ears, scratchy throat). He was very diligent in taking his OTC antihistamine but has missed a few doses over the past few weeks. He does not have a primary care provider, because he has been relatively healthy and did not think he really needed one!
He schedules an appointment at Compassion Primary Care. After obtaining his history and completing a physical, an in-office spirometry test is done. The spirometry test does show some mild decrease in airflow. The clinician at Compassion Primary Care, explains to Wilbur the importance of controlling his allergic symptoms and discusses how exercise can trigger an asthma attack. A rescue inhaler is prescribed which he can use as needed for cough, shortness of breath or wheezing. In addition, he is informed to use the rescue inhaler 5 to 20 minutes prior to exercise. He is to monitor his symptoms over the next 2 weeks and a follow-up appointment is scheduled in office to monitor his progress.
Environmental allergies and asthma usually occur in the same person or families. If you find that you are experiencing increased coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or wheezing, please call Compassion Primary Care, 813-669-3084. You can also schedule an appointment online at www.compassionprimarycare.com
#Asthma; #wheezing #shortness of breath; #allergies; #runny nose; #sneezing; #chest tightness
