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Is it asthma? Also consequences of having it

Posted , 4 users are following.

tinytitch22
tinytitch22

Hello

I apologise in advance if I sound stupid and a hypocontriac (which family and friends have said) but I can't help the way I think.

A while ago (probably 6 months) I was diagnosed as having asthma but it was at the same time I was diagnosed with anxiety and panic attacks.

Apparently there isn't an exactly test to be done to diagnose asthma so I'm still unsure whether it is asthma or my anxiety.

I was given inhalers to use and to date I haven't used them.

However I do still get tight chested and out of breath when I was but I'm not sure if it's cos I'm just unfit.

I just want to know how can I be sure if I do have asthma and if I do when would I know when to use my inhalers.

Also I'm due to be going on holiday in a couple of months and I'm scared about the pressure on the airplane and not having enough oxygen to help me breathe.

Also can I use my inhalers on there and do I need to let the stewardess know etc

Any advice would be must appreciated.

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Tazchurch
    Tazchurch tinytitch22

    Posted

    When it comes to flying with inhalers and using them on the plane you need to carry a letter from your Dr stating the necessity for this.

    I am severely Asthmatic and have yet to have a problem flying.

    • tinytitch22
      tinytitch22 Tazchurch

      Posted

      Thanks for letting me know.

      How do you cope being asthmatic - since being told I'm forever scared about having an attack and worrying about being asthmatic

    • Tazchurch
      Tazchurch tinytitch22

      Posted

      Take medication as instructed

      Have a 6monthly/yearly review with the asthma nurse at the GP's

      Chat with my local pharmacist if I have any concerns

      I am 49  but was diagnosed at 18 so it is a way of life and not something I think about.

       

  • Dondons3
    Dondons3 tinytitch22

    Posted

    I was diagnosed around 5 years ago and it still scares me so you're not alone there, I also suffer with depression and anxiety attacks and sometimes it's hard to differentiate between the two as they both give you tightness of the chest and shortness of breath, although if you've had no need to take your inhalers I wouldn't worry too much, as for flying ive not flown since being diagnosed so I can't comment but I don't see any problem with taking them on board, i mean a lot of people suffer from asthma and will need to carry inhalers and such with them, I'd advise that you maybe go to your doctor or asthma nurse and tell them your concerns, I'm sure they will put your mind at ease x

    Take care xx

    • colin04820
      colin04820 Dondons3

      Posted

      An asthma attack is v v scary, being hooked up to a nebuliser and gasping for every breath scared the cr&p out of me and made me take responsibility for my own health...

      i dont suffer from the anxiety or depression issues, that must make the situation scarier still, but there are some things you can do simply by improving your fitness and health generally.

      That way you have less potential future problems to concern yourself with ..... 

      I hope that 2015 is kind to you :-) 

    • Dondons3
      Dondons3 colin04820

      Posted

      God yes! It's horrible! I've been in and out of hospital more times than I care to remember, been intensive care 3 times, have been seconds away from being put into a self induced coma to have tubes put down my throat to help me breathe it's awful! 

      I don't exercise much but I do a lot of walking and also have 5 children who keep me on my toes all the time so I wouldn't say I'm unfit xx 

      Thank you, you too xx

    • colin04820
      colin04820 Dondons3

      Posted

      Oh well, a young family will def keep you on your feet ..... Theybare greatbfun when they are young, and at all ages in fairness.

      My little girls are 22 & 24 so at least i have time for the gym ...

      The cold damp weather, especially the damp, does me no favours with the asthma so i do use the gym a lot more in the winter, but try to grab a nice walk if the weather permits

  • colin04820
    colin04820 tinytitch22

    Posted

    Hi 

    i have had asthma for 4-5 years now and have never experienced problems, i have travelled extensively for business.  

    September -December 2013 i was v ill with a series of chest infections and pneumonia complications. Thankfully i have a great consultant and team and am now back on good form.

    whatever you do, try to improve your fitness, get plenty of exercise and make sure you are not overweight....... Getting fit and losing weight will make a huge difference.

    a year ago i struggled to walk 200 yardsfrom the car to my office, during 20114 i lost 10kG and am back in size 34 jeans (well chuffed) now i can walk 4.5 miles in 65 minutes or so and use the gym regularly 

    if you can make make some progress you will start to feel better and happier, and hopefully more confident and help to lessen your anxiety attacks.

    give it a go, tomorrow night is the perfect time to set yourself some new targets! 

    Do it for yourself, 

  • colin04820
    colin04820 tinytitch22

    Posted

    Why dont you use your inhalers ?

    They were given to help you ! If you need them ,take them !

    if they dint work then perhaps is more anxiety related ? 

  • mike1959
    mike1959 tinytitch22

    Posted

    You really need to talk with an asthma nurse as they are specially trained to teach you all about asthma and why your Dr has prescribed you medication (inhalers) to help you to breathe better /easier..  It's also very important to take good care of yourself and regular exercise is a very good way of starting, as is eating a good diet and avoiding damp cold air.. Winters are especially difficult for asthmaics (because of the cold bamp air) often having chest infections or pneumonia, if not treated in time.. If  you don't feel comfortable taking with an asthma nurse, you can find good asthma education / tutorials on YouTube. 
    • colin04820
      colin04820 mike1959

      Posted

      I have a great consultant and asthma nurse at Peterborough City Hospital, always v helpful and only an email away when i have a problem. Its v important to have a good team you can trust. 

      The damp,is the worst for me, cold dry air i can cope with, but cold damp has me reaching for the ventolin.  

      As you say, taking exercise and getting fit is key to keeping healthy and try To work towards better health.  Chest infections do hit asthmatics a lot harder, so it is important to see your GP if you start to struggle. 

       

  • tinytitch22
    tinytitch22

    Posted

    Happy New Year to you all and Thank you for taking the time to reply.

    I haven't taken the inhalers as I'm in 3 minds whether it is asthma or not and I'm scared that if I use them and it's bit asthma the consequences it will have on my overall health.

    Also I was diagnosed with tachycardia in 2011 and I was told it could increase your heart rate which I don't want to happen as I get really scared when my heart is beating fast.

    I've never been that active but I wouldn't say I'm a couch potatoe. I'm a young female who weighs 46kgs. I also have a 2 year old son who I run about after (maybe not exactly run smile )

    I do walk most places but I'm not sure if the breathlessness is due to me worrying about it being asthma or whether I'm anxious about going to the places I'm going.

    I've been to the drs a few times and seen the asthma nurse but I feel they must think I'm wasting their time so haven't been back.

    I really wish I wasn't diagnosed with asthma as it does seem to have added to my anxiety and panic attacks.

    Even though you've seemed to have had a bad experience with asthma you all seem positive and seem as if you don't let it control your life. Wish I could get to that point.

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