Asthma?
 

Hey guys,
I will be going to a doctor soon about this, but I thought I'd ask anyway...

Just lately I've been having symptoms of not being able to fill my lungs properly and having to breathe really deeply, which tends to happen after I've been inside a lot, particularly lately as I've been cleaning out my room and exposing a lot of dust. I first had the problem last year, and had a bunch of tests done including a lung function test, and they didn't reveal anything. Lately I've noticed an additional thing which may be a symptom of the same problem which is occasionally I get a pain in my chest like heartburn (but regardless of whether I've eaten recently or not) and if I breathe shallow for a few seconds it goes away, if I breathe deeply as it hits I feel a kind of "click" and then it goes away.

Any thoughts?

Belial,

My daughter’s asthma was caused by/exacerbated by her allergies. We have had her on an immunotherapy program for three years now, and as her allergies have been alleviated, the occasions of her asthma attacks have become spaced over longer and longer intervals. I sincerely hope that you condition is not as severe as my daughter’s was and that yours is more easily resolved.

Use it or lose it!

Take a yoga class, or some other discipline where breathing is taught. Also, exercise regularly - walking is great.

Sing!

Hm, yeah, I know exactly where you're coming from. Turns out what I thought were allergies were actually asthma. Later on, I started getting the extreme shortness of breath/tightness in the chest that you're describing.

When I went to my doc about this, she said that that problem was probably unrelated to my asthma...this after having exactly an attack like that in her office, and not having it respond to anti-asthma drugs. She recommended that I see a gp and have my circulation, blood pressure and EKG checked....I also have low blood pressure problems.

I assume the doctor you mentioned is an allergy.asthma sepcialist...so the only advice I have is yes, go that route, but be prepared to seek advice elsewhere, since symptoms can cross specialties. Ask you doctor about this, really. Don't assume that he/she will automatically check other possibilities.

Akasha keeping you breathless, mate? ;)

CasperTG

If only that were true, I could use a hug or two right now

Belial,

(((((Hug)))))

Mean it!

Re: Asthma?
 

Hmmmmmmm... dust mite allergies???

That's possible CGT...I'll definitely bring that possibility up, thanks :)

Okay..this may seem like a stupid question, but..

I'm trying to use my sister's Ventolin spray to see if it does anything, but I can't seem to direct it properly, it either hits my tongue or the roof of my mouth rather than going down my thoat as I believe it's supposed to...any ideas? :(

you have to hold it straight and learn to breathe at the exact time you dispense the inhaler.

You should get tested again for asthma and they will teach you how to take the inhaler the correct way. There are also areochambers that help with dosing and there are inhalers that are a powder and are easier to take.

Unless you are supposed to please do not use someone else's medication.

I asked her first, if that was the concern.

Belial,

Self-medication may reduce or hide one or more symptoms that the doctor would otherwise be able to use as part of the diagnosis. Substantially different medical conditions can sometimes share many symptoms, and are distinguishable by only one or two, or even their relative severity. If you are self medicating at the time you see the physician for a diagnosis, providing that information may be very useful.

If you do not have a need for the Ventolin, you could have a serious problem with it's use. You should not use it unless it has been prescribed to you specifically!