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Asthma or not?

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Posted 10/29/2008 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
A few months ago I spent 8 days in the hospital b/c of a case of really bad bronchitis that would not respond to steroids or breathing treatments. They sent me home with it b/c they did not want me to catch anything else in the hospital. Two weeks later I started feeling better. Since then I've had some shortness of breath and every few days (sometimes two days in a row) I have a croopy productive cough. I have a ssshhhh sound when I breathe in and out like something in my airway is clipping down and just a bit of air is getting through. I had the meth challenge test and my doc said I did not have asthma but the guy who performed the test said my levels went below the mark once but not twice so it would be up to my doc. My pulmonary doc from the start has had her mind made up that I do not have asthma so I feel like I've hit a dead end with her. My question is does this sound like asthma? I never had this before, just since the lung infection. My primary care doc says someone like me could get asthma as an adult b/c I have an autoimmune disease that tends to have fun with my body (Shingles last year, chronic hives, etc.) Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted 10/29/2008 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
Please and I mean this in a kind way, go to an Asthma/Allergy a.s.a.p
and they will do testing, such as peak flows and breathing test, never, never
try to diagnosis asthma on your own. So if you really believe you
have asthma, just make that appointment to see the specialist to truly find
out and you'll feel so much better (consciously). Hope this helps..
Please keep us posted as to how your doing.
I have asthma and I swear I can't hear the wheeze, but my husband does and
so he watches over me and lets me know, so I can get in to see the doctor.
and yes you can get asthma, at any time, I've had it all my life, it's hard at times..
Soft Hugz to you and I wish you well.
Keep us posted okay!!!!!
Posted 11/3/2008 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
Well my mother only has asthma when she gets bronchitis. Even though you might be feeling better, you might not be completely over the bronchitis and it's very possible that you could have asthma associated with it. You didn't mention any antibiotics which is normally what they give for bronchitis. I usually take natural antibiotics for infections and while I haven't had the opportunity to try it on bronchitis, I suggested it to a friend and she told me it started helping her a lot faster than prescription drugs did. The natural antibiotic is wild Mediterranean oregano oil. You can probably find it at any local herbal shops or possibly health food stores or you can always get it online. It comes in liquid and in pills. You'll probably get a better value for your money if you get it in liquid form, but also invest in some empty pill capsules to put it in cause it will cause a strong burning sensation in your mouth if you try to take it straight. The only side effects I've ever experienced from this is some heartburn but that can be prevented if you take it with food.
Posted 11/3/2008 3:11 AM (GMT 0)

AngelTT,  I used to only get asthma or wheezing when I had bronchitiis.  This past winter I had 3 bouts of bronchitis and had wheezing on and off during the Spring.  Well, in July I started to wheeze non stop.  I went to my PCP and she gave me 2 inhalers, one a steroid and the other a rescur inhalter, albuterol.  I was like that every day.  I had to use the albuterol 4 X a day 2 puffs each time.  And I could do nothing but sit on the couch I was so weak.  I went to see a pulmonologist and had all the lung function tests.  Well, he turned out to be a real jerk and said I couldn't breathe because I was too fat. (I had lost 40 lbs this past year.)  So I suffered another 6 weeks and then went to a second pulmonologist.  He was so thorough, spent more than an hour with me, looked over my tests and said I definitely had asthma.  You can develop it when you are older and especially if you have had bronchitis.  He put me on an inhaler called Synbicort and from the first time I used it I have not wheezed since. I feel my life has literally been saved thanks to this great dr.  So as Chartreux said, do get yourself to an asthma/allergy specialist because there are meds that will help you to breathe freely again.  I went so far as to have my mattress, carpets, etc all cleaned and had a special allery treatment put on them.  I then went and bought all new non-allergic beddiing plus the best dust mite covers available.  I had the whole house cleaned from top to bottom  And then I bought an air purifier.  Nothing worked until I saw this dr. and got on the right med.  I am getting my energy back and feel I will be my old self very soon.So run as fast as you can to a specialist - you can be helped.  Take care of yourself.

Many hugs,

Aurora

Posted 11/3/2008 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys, I appreciate your feedback. The problem is that I was put on two antibiotics through IV while in the hospital as well as high doses of steroids and 2  breathing treatments four times a day. They sent me home in almost the same shape as I was went admitted. I am well over the bronchitis now - it's been like 7 weeks. And I had a pulmonary doctor in the hospital and I did get diagnosed with Vocal Cord Dysfunction after I got better. I can tell when that is acting up - I can feel it. But the congestion in my chest and wheezing has nothing to do with that and my pulmonary doctor won't listen. Sigh. I am on the verge of throwing in the towel and just living with it. The inhalers they had me on sure did help. The pulmonary doc told me to discontinue all of them after my last appointment with her, which was several weeks ago. And since the congestion and wheezing it's every day, there is always a chance I won't have the symptoms when I am at the doc's office. I am just puzzled that this could be something totally new and the docs act like I am OK, just b/c I don't sound as horrible as I did while in the hospital. Anyway, thanks again guys. Hopefully one day we'll get this figured out!

Posted 11/3/2008 4:28 AM (GMT 0)

Angel,  I noticed you live in a big city.  There are certainly other pulmonologists you can go to.  Do not stick with this dr. who has you quit the inhalers.  Not getting enough oxygen can be damaging to all your internal organs.  Please, please get the name of another dr. to examine you.  I told you what a bad time I had with the first pulmonologist I saw. That could be the case with you .  You NEED a differrent dr.  You can call a big hospital in your city and get recommendations.  You must have a teaching hospital where you are and they have some of the best drs. You will be doing yourself a big favor to get another dr.  This is not something you can just learn to live with. And you should not accept a wrong or  inaccurate diagnosis.

Hugs,

Aurora

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