Last night I was on the train on the way home from where I work, and it was very hot out yesterday and I had rushed a bit to the train so I was flushed (although I flush usually at least once a day even if it's not hot, so that's not uncommon) however I got on the train and suddenly couldn't stop coughing and I couldn't catch my breath.

This has happened few other times, but only 3 of those times were bad, and two of them  were from IV Medication. This time however I don't know what caused it, and since I was by myself it was pretty scary. When I realized i wasn't going to stop coughing right away like I sometimes do, I took a benedryl and drank a bottle of ice water and I even took two vials of gastrocrom just in case it would help. I had my epipen but i've never used it before and I didn't want to unless I had to. After 10-15 minutes or so, the coughing slowed, although I was coughing a little for the rest of the night. After the coughing slowed my head started pounding, and my blood pressure felt low, although for the last few months it's not uncommon for my blood pressure to suddenly drop.

I contacted another Masto patient to ask what they do in that situation, besides use their epipen and they suggested having an inhaler, such as intal or (I can't remember the other name they mentioned)

What do you guys reccommend? I am off from work today, however I work again tomorrow (I have a 2+ hr commute) and I'd like to have something additional, such as an inhaler or something to bring with me just in case.

Also any tips for avoiding the sudden drops in blood pressure I often get?

And would you consider what I experienced to be anaphylaxis? I have a hard time believing that something that can clear up on it's own (it didn't seem to last night, but in the past it has), is actually anaphylaxis... And is it possible that since an Epi-Pen is adrenaline, that maybe my body produces a lot of adrenaline on it's own and that could have help fix it?


I'm just curious about if this has happened to other people and how they handled it!
Thanks!
Rachael

Great answer Lucas!

Rachael,  I see a few things there.  First give yourself time, NO running especially in the heat! That alone will make you react and give you trouble breathing. Walk slow, dont get rushed, stay in cool air--and if you cant , slip a feel cold packs under your clothes to help you tolerate the heat and the walk to the train for work or home. You might need to find another way of transport to stay cool.

Lucas is right, anytime you feel you are reacting (or will be in a situation where you might react), take an extra antihistamine--whichever one works best for you. If you are already reacting, go to the restroom and put cold water on your face and arms, sip some too.  Take your antihistamine and try to relax until it kicks in. The best solution is not to be in that situation again. I know, easier said than done, right? Im sorry Hon.

You keep your ER kit with you right? It sounds like you reacted but didnt go into shock.  I hope things get better for you.
Hugs
Ramona

I do use an inhaler for the kind of situation you describe. I have been told I have exercise induced asthma, even though I don't have very classic asthma symptoms.

Before I started antihistamines, I would get VERY short of breath with the slightest exertion. I would also get very flushed, and my heart would race, and my blood pressure would jump around. Strangest of all, I would get better with rest, but then I would have an attack again out of the blue, 3-4 hours later. Running like you were would have put me over the edge.

I use Atrovent, which is often used in COPD. It relaxes the bronchial tubes and esophagus. It is slower acting than the usual inhalers used with asthma, but it does not stress my heart.

I will say, though, that since I am taking more antihistamines, I rarely need my inhaler. The antihistamines have made me much less reactive. Interesting, the Zantac has been as important for me with the breathing symptoms as Zyrtec is.