Navigating Life with My Hyperactive Airway

Finding Clarity: How a Diagnosis Transformed My Challenging Summer

Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 52 seconds

Life is full of challenges, but it’s genuinely inspiring how unexpected moments can bring us joy and guide us toward brighter resolutions. As you know, I have been dealing with an unknown viral infection for almost a month, but I’m staying positive! Just last Thursday, I attended a Bridges meeting. Although I couldn’t catch every word due to ear congestion, it felt great to be there.

After the meeting, I decided to take action and asked Siri to call my ENT specialist, Dr. Presti. I knew that my last wait for an appointment had been five weeks, but I needed to see him sooner. After identifying myself, the receptionist informed me that there had been a cancellation for Friday at 9:15. Did that work for me?

When I arrived for my appointment, I shared my month-long experience, discussed the medications I had tried, and reviewed my test results. Dr. Presti mentioned that we would determine the cause of my problem, but first, he wanted to examine my ears. He found some wax and removed it. He then numbed my nose before inserting a laser camera.

As soon as the camera was in place, Dr. Presti’s first words were, “You are not contagious.” He diagnosed me with Hyperactive Airway Disease (HAD). The relief that washed over me was palpable. My first thought was that my doctor was describing the cause of the acute delays this year at Newark International Airport. Then I realized he was offering me hope after nearly a month with an Unknown Viral Infection (UFI).

Dr. Presti explained that HAD is a condition characterized by increased sensitivity of the airways to various stimuli, often leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

He instructed me to discontinue using Mucinex, an over-the-counter cough medicine, and allergy medications. He then prescribed a steroid, a cough suppressant, and another drug, the name of which I have forgotten. Walgreens didn’t fill them before I went to my temple, so I didn’t start them until Saturday morning.

I feel better not only because I finally have a diagnosis but also due to three days of the correct medication. The improvement was immediate, and it has given me hope for the future.