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Asthma- newly diagnosed

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Posted 11/6/2007 9:35 AM (GMT -8)
My doctor just recently diagnosed me with Asthma (I'm 30).

I have a family history of it (maternal grandma and an uncle on my mom's side) but haven't had ay symptoms until within the past 3-4 moths.

I know no one here can diagnose me but I'd like to know your opinions of whether or not my doctor seems on the right track with this.

Here's a little history:

In the past 4 months I've had an upper respiritory infection and pneumonia. It seems like my lungs haven't recovered yet. I get tightness in my chest and shortness of breath. It feels like my lungs just get tired of breathing. I've been on an albutoral inhaler for about 2 months now, which doesn't seem to be working. At my doctors appointment last week, the doctor told me suddenly that I have asthma and gave me a perscription for Pulmicort (which doesn't seem to be working yet, either).

The reason I'm asking for your opinion is because my doctor never gave me any lung function tests or anything like that. I'm a little curious as to how she came to that conclusion. Can it be diagnosed just by the symptoms presented and by listening to the lungs?

I don't feel like I'm getting any relief for this. Even as I'm typing this my chest feels tight and I feel short of breath and I've just taken both of my asthma meds.

I would appreciate any feedback on this. Thank you  ~Amelia

Posted 11/6/2007 6:18 PM (GMT -8)

Amelia,

I will tell you that my allergist who had been treating me for a number of years had been doing different tests on me the summer and fall before I was diagnosed with severe asthma five years ago.  I have pretty much always had allergies and I am now 56.  That summer and fall I just couldn't get rid of bronchitis.  Then one November day I had a follow-up appointment with her, I had left work early because my chest was so tight, I couldn't concentrate, which I now know that when the breathing doesn't work, neither does the brain.  By the time I got to her office, I was in the middle of a full blown asthma attack.  So, we had our diagnosis.  It was pretty frightening having to have not only the breathing treatments for the first time but also several injections of epinephrine.

I don't know if that helps you at all.  Did he do a nebulizer treatment on you or have you get a nebulizer?  Most asthma patients need a nebulizer, if they are not severe patients, they need them for emergencies.  Unfortunately, I need mine a lot.  I am not a medical professional, this is just my opinion as a severe asthma patient.  If you do have asthma, I just want you to be prepared in case of an emergency.  Never hesitate to call 911 if you think it is something you can not control.  An asthma attack can get out of control so quickly and the paramedics can start working on you immediately and get you stabilized.

If I can answer any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.  I also want to welcome you to HealingWell.  We are like a big family here and I hope you will keep us posted.

Take care!

Carla

Posted 11/7/2007 7:43 AM (GMT -8)
She gave me a nebulizer treatment at the office about 2 months ago when I had pnemonia but she hasn't sent me home with one or given me a treatment since. When I had pnemonia 2 months ago she commented that I may have asthma but didn't mention it again until last week's appointment when she told me I had it.

My next appointment with her in on December 3rd. I think I'll be asking her a lot of questions.

Thanks for all your help. ~Amelia
Posted 11/9/2007 2:32 PM (GMT -8)
When you go to her again ask her if you should be seeing an Asthma Specialist. If this doctor can't answer your questions then find another doctor, some doctor are better than others. My asthma allergy always tells me what to do and then write it down for me so I leave with a list. Good luck to you.
soft hugz and nice to meet you.
Posted 11/9/2007 3:04 PM (GMT -8)
I was born with Asthma but is also triggered by allergies to anything that floats in the air..........
Posted 11/9/2007 7:04 PM (GMT -8)

Amelia,

It is said that most asthma patients seem to do better when they are treated by an allergist.  I, myself, believe this.  Allergies and asthma tend to go hand in hand any way.  By now my allergist knows me well enough to trust that I know what is going on and I can call in and say I doing this, this and this and I don't think I need to come in.  She will just call and order what I need.  On the other hand, I know when I need to go in and they always take me right in.  When you have severe asthma, it is good to build up a good relationship with your doctor.

So, if you do indeed have asthma, first of all you need to find the right doctor and I would highly recommend an allergist.  It will take some time to build up that relationship with a new doctor like I have with my allergist.  I think I must have the most wonderful allergist in the world.  She has saved me so many ER visits.  My attacks that get out of my control are during the day, which is unusual.  I can call her office and let them know that I am having an attack that I have done everything I can for and it's out of control.  They will have me come on in and she will work with me for three or four hours or however long it takes to get me stabilized.  She knows I hate the ER.  I don't think many doctors do that these days.  I haven't had to do that in over 15 months.  I'm in control!

Amelia, I hope you get the care you need.

Take care!

Carla

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