Why do I feel breathless and have nasal congestion?
Patient: Sir, I am from Berhampur Odisha. I have been suffering from breathing difficulties since 3 months. I have difficulties in taking breah. I have tested the blood, urine, BP, thyroid  etc and everything came normal. Here the chest specialist has also conducted  the spirometry test which was normal. My p-flow is 400. My nose is always congested and when I use Nasivion spray I feel relief in my nose and my breathing difficultiy vanishes. One should not use a nasal spray for a long time but I am bound to use that one since the Inhaler prescribed by the chest specialist does not help me. Kindly help me.                                                                                                                       P,/y                                                                                                                          Odisha Doctor: Hello,Thank you for asking at HCM.I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:1. It is good that your spirometry is normal, I assume it was done with a "post-bronchodilator study". In that case, I would think your cause of feeling breathing difficulties may be nose obstruction.2. I would agree that decongestant sprays (which "open" a congested nose) should not be used for long time, they can cause rebound symptoms upon discontinuation.3. Were I treating you, I would prescribe you intranasal corticosteroids (mometasone or fluticasone) for at least 14 days. I would also prescribe you montelukast and levocetirizine for 28 days.4. I would suggest you to use an inhaler like salbutamol for breathing difficulty symptoms on as-and-when-needed basis only.5. Allergy testing for common air-borne allergens like house dust mites, indoor molds, regional pollens, insect proteins and pet danders (if you have pet) will be useful to identify the substances causing allergies to you as well as to know the measures to avoid them.Based on allergy testing, an Allergist-Immunologist may prescribe you allergen specific immunotherapy which gradually improves allergy symptoms by working on immune system.6. Regular breathing exercises, physical activity and a healthy diet rich in vitamins & minerals will also help you in a long run by improving your lung capacity and immunity respectively.7. In general, I would suggest you to avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution as much as possible.Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.Wish you the best of the health ahead.Thank you & Regards.