Here’s the deal. I’ve noticed a tight feeling in my throat for a couple weeks now. I couldn’t actually pinpoint when it started; it’s been more intense on some days. But recently, the feeling has been more intense, more consistent. I’ve been trying to figure out the cause but it was a guessing game until now.
I woke up and noticed that my throat felt normal. It was clearly different from what I’ve been feeling. When the kids were taking their medications, I began to wonder if my ACE inhibitorcould be the cause. I wondered and then dismissed the idea because I’ve been on this medicaiton for a while. Sure, I’ve gone up on the dose recently, but the timing of the increased dose did not coincide with the throat issue. I took my pill, along with my allergy pill. Soon after, we were out the door.
It was about 30 minutes later that I noticed the urge to have something hot to drink. I had not made my latte at home so I would have to pay for a latte if I stopped. I didn’t care. By the time I had my drink in hand I was well into my throat clearing habit. By the time I hit the freeway, I was coughing. It was pretty obvious – the ACE inhibitor is not agreeing with me.
All day I wondered why the symptoms would start now. I tried to convince myself that going outside started up my seasonal allergies. But, even indoors, the feeling continued. By lunch, I felt miserable enough to skip my run. Then I had a realization.
Before now, I wasn’t aware of the tightening in my throat because, until I missed a dose over the weekend, I used to take my medication as night. A-ha!
It is basic – the ABC’s start with “A.” Airway – Breathing – Circulation. Without securing an open airway, none of the subsequent steps can occur.
The only running that I did was running to the pharmacy to pick up a different type of blood pressure medication. I hope that my body will adjust to this one okay and that I’ll be breathing easy once more.
Interesting. I take an ACE inhibitor – no side effects. I take it at night too. I wonder if it could be the combo of ACE and allergy med?
Some things seem so simple and yet stump us. Glad you figured it out.
Hey Juls, Erik just quit taking one of his blood pressure meds…it’s had some pretty serious side effects. Lots of mental and physical fatigue, he said it even felt like depression. It was all because of the medicine. I don’t know which one (he takes three) but it was the one that was an adrenaline blocker. I have no idea if it’s the same as beta blockers. Anyway, not to be alarmist or anything, just to let you know that you should be aware of it in case you switch and start to feel funky. xoxo Mia
Wow. I’m glad I read this, it seems there are so many things we don’t think about and so many things the doctors don’t think to ask us..this was an important heads up…thanks.