Asthma and Lung Pain?

[robroy13]

Is it asthma where the main symptom is lung and chest discomfort, with some mucous production, rather than breathing problems? I have had asthma for about 20 yrs and a few yrs ago was put on Flovent. Last spring I began experiencing a burning sensation right in the middle of my chest occasionally during exertion. It usually extended to the left but rarely to the right and didn't always occur; sometimes it would occur during rest. Talking for an extended period of time would also bring on a mild form. I didn't seem to have any breathing difficulty as my peak flows were in my normal range. Albuterol would sometimes offer relief. I walk 4-5 flights of stairs a number of times each day and don't experience problems. I am also clearing mucous from my lungs several times a day. EKG, stress test, x-rays, all normal. Trying Singulair made no difference. Lately, most days, off and on, I have continued mild lung discomfort. It feels like the burning one has with a chest cold but I have no fever or cough. Sometimes it is a stabbing pain. A few months ago a pulmonologist put me on Advair 500/50 and I use my albuterol much less now. It seems that the "bad" bouts have subsided but I now have mild discomfort and mucous every day. Again, my peak flows continue to be normal, maybe a little better. Does this daily discomfort sound like asthma or is something else going on? Maybe the burning is a side effect of inhaled steroids?

[National Jewish]

A burning sensation is not a symptom of asthma and unlikely to be a side effect of the inhaled steroids.  Mucus can be a sign of asthma but should diminish as asthma symptoms come under control.

Heartburn is a common cause of burning in the chest.  That the burning is not worsened with exertion makes it highly unlikely that it is coming from your heart.

[Kaycee40]

If you have not been evaluated by a gastroenterologist for acid reflux, I recommend that it be your next step. A high percentage of asthmatics also have acid reflux. The discomfort you describe (sometimes burning, vague symptoms that seem like asthma, and occasional stabbing pain) sound as though they could be reflux. I have had asthma all my life and a few years ago found that my symptoms felt slightly different and my asthma medications were not relieving them. Acid reflux in an asthmatic can cause asthmatic-type symtoms rather than classic heartburn (stabbing pain.) It was not until an intern working alongside my allergist suggested reflux that I even considered it. I am now taking aciphex (although preferred nexium until my insurance company stopped covering it) as well as zantac to control the reflux. Both asthma and reflux become worse after a respiratory infection and no doctor (allergist, gastroenterologist or pulmonary specialist) can explain how they interact. I've searched the web and the answer is not there. After an infection (cold, flu, pneumonia), both worsen and the symptoms become problematic, but generally clear up over time. When healthy, both my asthma and reflux are under control, but it is a balancing act, especially given that they are treated by different specialists. I suggest you talk first with you allergist and ask if it could be reflux. If he/she does not recommend tests to determine whether it is, then it probably makes sense to visit a gastroenterologist for a second opinion. Best wishes for recovery.