IS THIS ASTHMA? HELP!

Posted , 4 users are following.

THE SEVERITY OF THESE SYMPTOMS STARTED JULY 13, PRIOR TO THIS I HAVE A HISTORY OF MILD-MODERATE SHORTNESS OR BREATH BUT DID NOT HAVE ALL OTHER SYMPTOMS OR INTERFERE WITH DAILY ACTIVITIES EXCEPT EXERCISE AND I HAVE SINUS TACHYCARDIA. CONSTANT CHEST TIGHTNESS/RIB CAGE TIGHT AND PRESSURE 24/7. THE SYMPTOMS LAST ALL DAY BUT GET WORSE AT CERTAIN POINTS DURING THE DAY. I AM ABLE TO SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT MOST OF THE TIME. I FEEL SUFFOCATED AND MY RESPIRATORY MUSCLES FEEL WEAK AND TIGHT. TROUBLE BREATHING AS INHALING/EXHALING IS DIFFICULT AND DURING CERTAIN MOMENTS THE BREATHING BECOMES SHALLOW. I FEEL LIKE I CANT BREATHE IN WELL. THIS MAKES ME DIZZY. MY LUNG FUNCTION WAS VERY LOW I CAN BARELY BLOW AND I CAN ONLY INHALE OR EXHALE 1/3 of what im supposed to. THE PULMONOLOGIST WANTS TO TREAT ME FOR ASTHMA TO SEE IT THATS THE CASE BUT MY LUNGS SOUND CLEAR AND NO WHEEZING. BUT I HAVE PRE EXISTING SINUS TACHYCARDIA AND I AM SCARED THE MEDICATION WILL AFFECT ME. IS IT WISE TO TRY THE ASTHMA MEDICATION? MY FEAR ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS.

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2 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Wendy,

    Firstly greetings!

    I can't help much as my symptoms started 22 july and still continuing, so in a similar new place to you I guess - not nice!

    My peak flow is usually 450, goes down to 250, then I've given Steroid capsules, four times, goes back up to 400 for 5 days then down again. Groundhog days!

    X rays are clear, Asthma is suggested but the inhalers, tried two, seem to have no effect. I'm not convinced I have Asthma! Too much coughing at present.

    Tuesday I fly Cyprus for two weeks in sun, then I start Aloe Vera 100ml daily - can't be worse than doctors medication. will keep you posted

    Bye

    Mic

    Exeter

    x

  • Posted

    Hi Wendy

    What are your concerns regarding starting asthma treatment? You may be started on a reliever, such as Ventolin which gives few problems (perhaps your heat beating slightly faster for a minute or two, unless over used).

    If you are thinking of the preventative inhalers, yes, they do contain corticosteroids but these, used correctly, are shown to be safe and are very effective. Personally, I would rather take these drugs and have a life rather than be breathless all the time.

    As you are concerned, please book an appointment with your doctor or asthma nurse who can explain the relevant options open to you and show you how to use inhalers.

    No one here can advise if you have asthma or what you should do.

    In my personal experience, these drugs do work and are brilliant.

    Please seek further advice.

    Regards

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