walking/exercise and asthma

Hi, i hope someone here can help me out. My wife has had a few bouts with pneumonia and they have left her lungs in not so fantastic shape. She reacts strongly to smoke and excessive dust, but her main problem is the walk in to work. It's a five minute walk from the parking structure to her office and her breathing gets so bad that she has to take three or four breaks along the way. She has seen her regular doc and is on all kinds of meds and inhalers but so far the only thing it does is make her feel shaky and wound up. She does have an appointment with a specialist coming up, but i was wondering if anyone here has a similar problem and any advice?

thanks.

hi everyone, hoping someone might have some insight on asthma-type symptoms which my 5-yr old daughter is having. She has had her tonsils and adenoids removed after learning that her airway was very much constricted. breathing got better, however now after only minutes of child-like activities, a little running or playing with a friend she will have a coughing fit which almost surely leads to vomiting. She typically cannot last more than a few minutes of hyper activity before the coughing begins limiting her to, well let's just say, not being able to enjoy herself in doing the things that children her age do. She's been on singulair for about 4-mths which she takes once daily and it helps a little and an albuterol inhaler for when she has these coughing fits. pulmonologist says maybe asthma, E.N.T says possibly chronic sinusitis.
any help would be greaylu appreciated

From your explanation of her symptoms, it appears that she is having asthma problems.  Since she is 5 yrs old, does she have a peak flow meter?  If not, ask your MD for one.  This is a mother's best friend when it comes to controlling and being aware of her child's asthma.  Before she goes out to play, have her do an Albuterol/Xopenex tx 15 minutes prior to playing.  This will open her airways allowing her to play w/o becoming exhausted.  If she is not on a corticosteroid, ask your MD about it.  This will keep the inflammation down in her airways.  When the airways become inflammed, an asthma attack occurs.  Best advice:  Get an asthma specialist (a pediatric one if possible).  When she is out in the cold, make sure her throat, head, & mouth are covered.  Breathing cold air can set off an attack.  If she has stuffed animals (which child doesn't?), place them in the dryer for about 5 minutes on the higest setting the toys can tolerate.  This will kill the dust mites.  Must be done at least everyother day.  Place mattress protectors & pillow protectors (designed for allergies & asthma) on all beds she sleeps in (have her carry her own pillow to a friend's/relative's house).  Make certain no one smokes in the house or around her (smoke clings to clothing, so wear a smock over clothing and keep in a sealed bag).  Avoid using fireplaces or eating from restaurants which serve charbroiled foods (consumming these foods irritates the airways and can cause the airways to become inflammed resulting in an asthma attack).  The American Lung Association has numerous information available (free) ... just give them a call.  If the area around her ribs are contracting (sucking in), this is a HUGE sign that she is not getting enough oxygen ... take her to ER IMMEDIATELY!  Good luck to you and your little girl! 

IF SHE IS HAVING A PROBLEM, DON'T HESITATE TO TAKE HER TO THE ER!  Ask the ALA for the tape (free) on how children can explain to adults about when they are having an asthma attack.  This tape teaches children about asthma & how to explain the difference in having trouble breathing or feeling bad (such has headache, bodyache, colds, etc). 

Info meant for educational purposes only & not med advice, seek med help IMMEDIATELY if child demonstrates breathing problems.