Is my constant difficulty breathing more than asthma?
I'm a 16 year-old girl, turning 17 in a few days. Around this time last year my doctor diagnosed me with excersize-enduced asthma. I got the Diskus to use twice a day and an inhaler for sports. But since then my breathing hasn't improved, but worsened. I still have trouble breathing when I'm working out. I also have trouble breathing a lot when I'm not working out too. I know I have allergies to some of the trees and grass around here, and I take medicine for that everday now. I cough a lot to clear my lungs and sometimes my chest hurts when I breathe in. I also sometimes get dizzy and light-headed. Last time I was at the doctor's he told me I had a restricted lung. I had an EKG done a few months ago and they said there was nothing out of the ordinary there. I've checked my pulse at rest and it's usually about 115, which is above the norm. I'm a little overweight, but I'm pretty active. So, could this be more than asthma? Should I see my doctor about it?
It appears based on what you say here that you are pretty observant about your health, and that is a good thing. That said, any time you are concerned about your health it is always a good idea to at least make contact with your physician. If the symptoms you describe are more than asthma, he (or she) is the best one to determine that.
Likewise, it is also important to note that asthma can be a tricky disease in that sometimes it takes time for you and your physician to find the right potion of medicines to control your asthma, as what works for one asthmatic may not work for another. It's always important to stay in close contact with your physician at least until you get things under control, and then see him no less than once a year (or twice a year if possible).
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I too have had similar problems and I've have had everything checked out, as well. I now know that certain times of the year are definitely better than others. Every year, I threaten to move to south Florida when Fall starts around again. I simply dread it. Mine started about 6 years ago when I quit smoking.
Work to manage your symptoms and do not give up. You are NOT alone! You can and will feel better. Walk in to your physician's office and tell him exactly how you feel and tell him that you are ready to address your asthma issues and feel better. I did that and my Doc listened.
A couple of websites mentioned that taking time out and meditating/relaxing - actually working on slowing your breathing and relaxing - helps. It really does. Not all of the time, but it works sometimes and it helps us not to panic. As I sit here and concentrate to write this, I can actually feel my chest relax and my breathing is smooth and deep. What a relief! It's raining in south Georgia and I've had trouble for about week now. I have a nebulizer, which I cannot do without in the fall and winter. I now take breathing treatments when things get bad two times a day, whether I "think" I need them or not. My pharmacist said that warding off the attack is better than trying to treat one. It's kind of like pain. Stay ahead of it with the meds.
I remember paging my physician at 1:00 in the AM because I was so panicked over not being able to breath. I know not to panic now. Like I said, don't give up! You'll feel better!
Thinking of you!
Jeff
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dawn oats
Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 07:27 PM
New here but wanted to say my asthma started also when I quit smoking. Mine is also worse in the fall and sometimes in the spring.I have had a bad spell and can't seem to get over it this time. Do you know if its ok to use a vicks vapo steam. I have one here and thought about trying it to see if would help. thanks in advance for a answer.