starting to have my doubts...

i am confused... I was diagnosed with asthma a year ago but was not told what type it was and as i do not have a particular problem with exercise i assumed it was allergic asthma as i developed it when i came to live in the uk in a fully carpeted house (i used to live in a stone floored house) and therefore assume that i allergic to dust?

but my symptoms are a cough that can sometimes lead to breathlessness, panic and then being unable to breath. also when i am very upset or laugh to much i will again get a coughing fit. i also get shortness of breath sometimes but vary rarely chest pain. all this is solved with a reliever.

BUT i do NOT wheeze or have massive attacks that lead me to hospital (in fact never been there for asthma) and once when i was having a coughing/cant breath episode and did not have an inhaler, my partner managed to calm me down with soothing words and breathing calmly.

i dont actually think i AM allergic to anything...

so what i am wandering is- do i really have asthma??

my PF is usually quite high- even when i am not feeling well and i am scared of getting an allergy test, because what if i am NOT allergic to anything? does that mean that they will rule out asthma and then i will have to live like i did before- coughing and no sleep at night?

not looking for medical oppinions etc. just friendly advice!

thank you everyone , Lizzie xxx

wishing you all a happy and healthy new year

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I think u should have a discussion with gp or asthma nurse and discuss your concerns. My asthma symptoms have changed a lot. My main symptoms are a tightness in my chest and shortness of breath. I almost never wheeze and hardly cough now. I have friends who peak flow is that good that even when unwell it remains high, So please don't look for all the symptoms for a diagnosis for asthma. But gp will be able to confirm If you have it

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need to talk to your gp. i think the diagnosis is confirmed if it's drug responsive - i,e. when you're struggling does a blue inhaler help? i may be wrong though. however the fact you say blue relievers help suggests it is an accurate diagnosis.

as others have said, not all asthmatics wheeze (i don't) and many of us have high PFs even when having huge attacks.

and there's a fine line between asthma attacks and panic attacks - and often for me both happen at once. so it's perfectly possible that at least one of your attacks has responded to calmingness because it was panic. and hyperventilating like you do when you panic doens't help asthma either.

:o)

ultimately, we on here can't help beyond to send love and hugs - you need to be having this conversation with your gp. whatever it is - hope it's treated appropriately!!

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Hi

I don't wheeze and my lung function and peak flow are very good but I do, like you, cough uncontrollably without my inhalers. I recently saw a really good chest physician who confirmed for me that this is indeed asthma. I have two preventer inhalers (Symbicort and Spiriva) which really help but I still need ventolin as well sometimes.

I am not allergic (have had allergy tests) but react to irritants like cold, dust, strong odours and smoke and an attack can be triggered by laughing, stress, exercise or sometimes for no apparent reason.

The advice others have given is sound, you need to talk to your GP or asthma nurse about your diagnosis but more importantly about how you can control your asthma. But do be aware that not all doctors and nurses understand that you can have asthma even if you have a good PF and don't wheeze so you may get conflicting advice. You are not alone!

Good Luck

Anguilla