I went to PF doc today. He had 3 weeks ago given me Advair and Nasonex.

I feel better but still when going out in the cold, I get air in but feels like I can't get enough.

Is that normal for asthma?

He gave me Proventil in addition to the other meds.

I guess I always (thru TV of course) thought of asthma as very dramatic - you know can't breathe at all - sorry for the ignorance on my part.

Anway, I'm just questioning whether I have asthma or not. My symthoms are always kinda can't get enough air all the time that when I exert or hit very cold air or very hot moist air has me kinda breathing hard for breath that doesn't seem to help.

Cold air makes so much mucus(sorry) that I feel like I'm drowning.

Would some of the vetern asthma suffers let me know if this is what you experience? Thanks

[(JD)]

Yes, that can surely be it! Either way, whether you wish to say asthma or not, you are definitely experiencing shortness of breath?!

I hope you are taking your medicine as directed. It can truly help. TC

Sky,

Thank you for your help. I am hoping that I could ask a couple more questions - if you have time.
I was confused by the PF doctor on Wed. First time he saw me and I had the breathing tests - he said they were abnormal and that I had brohcial asthma. The CT scan backed that up .

So this Wed I went as follow-up and he said the breathing tests were normal and he wasn't sure that it was asthma and was thinking that I was "out of condition" and of course due to my chronic depressive state - he had talked to my fdoc.

So now, I'm unclear.. I told him that the "not being able to breathe" was different than being out of shape.

I don't know what to do any more. My depression follows me around. Heck when I had a breast lump about 3 years ago, I 'm very, very surprised that depression wasn't the diagnosis.

He gave me one of those meters that you blow into - and for me is about 300 - perhaps he's correct. My pain, my shortness of breath - everything is a "state of my mind".
If you have any thoughts on this, I would appreciate the help.

[(JD)]

Oh I'm sorry your PF doc even spoke to your fdoc!

Yes, there is a strong mind-body connection, and yes, asthma is one malady that is very much connected, but no, it isn't all in your head! The PFdoc needs to treat you for your asthma. There are plenty of good inhalers and regular meds to help you with your s.o.b.

Some of us are just more sensitive than others... and it seems like everything affects everything else more severely.

When your tolerance is down ..your immune system suffers... and you can become sick more often. Allergies that you didn't have before can arise, and so can shortness of breath!

It looks to me...of course, just going by what you posted... that your PFdoc is of old school and hasn't learned that asthma is not pure psychological dis - ease.

I'm not a medical doctor (nor do I play one on tv) but I know many ppl personally who sware by advair for a daily med to help prevent attacks. Google asthma, go to the Lung Association site... educate yourself and forget about ignorant doctors. Next time tell the doctor what med you want to try, or ask your pharmacist to ask for a script from your doctor for you. Be proactive, not only will you get the med you need, you'll feel better for doing it.

Hang in there

Thank you Sky.... I will do what you suggest - your encouragement helps alot... being proactive, taking charge of my health, tuning out the same old same old - "depression is the root of all diagnosis" - depression has and will be a part of my life forever.. just gotta beat the sitgma..

Huggs - Lu

[jennie]

freewill . . . I have a few breathing problems.

Have you been evaluated for vocal cord dsyfunction (VCD)?

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Common symptoms include a chronic cough, chronic throat clearing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, throat tightness, intermittent hoarseness and wheezing. Many people diagnosed with VCD complain that they "just have trouble getting air in".

Possible triggers of VCD are often similar to asthma triggers. Triggers may include upper respiratory infections, air pollution , strong chemical fumes and odors, cigarette smoke, singing, laughing, emotional upset, post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease, laryngopharyngeal reflux (or, "silent reflux"), cold air, and exercise. Sometimes the trigger is not known.

(source)


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