Breathlessness

[Alanus]

I was experiencing shortness of breath about a year ago.

The shock of it lead to me stopping smoking last October.

Since then I was referred to a specialist, who diagnosed Asthma.

The problem I have is that tests come back with fairly good results

which makes my doctor think the breathlessness is caused by stress( anxiety).

I feel sure that something is constricting my airways. High Pollen count etc.

The stress comes later when my breathing is strained.

Thanks for anyone's attention that to this. Is there an Asthma that has little or no

Wheezing?

Alanus

[Jenzzie18]

Hi

I have just replied to you on a different post I think. Yes quite often I don't wheeze for doctors to hear which does cause some to dismiss it. Luckily I have a supportive team who have helped by doing letters and the medical notes I need to support when I pitch up at A&E.

Maybe your gp could refer to an asthma specialist?

[Superzob]

I was diagnosed with asthma last year and I never wheeze. However, I also have fixed small airways disease, which is often associated with smoking (although I have never smoked myself). It's possible that has a different effect which constricts breathing but not lead to wheezing, though I was first diagnosed because of tight chest symptoms (and poor peak flow). The most important thing, though, is what you've done: stop smoking. Apparently, that restarts the natural decline in lung function, so they deteriorate at a normal rate instead of the increased rate associated with smoking. A CT scan will show whether you have fixed small airways disease and there are medications which deal simultaneously with both that and asthma. And, as a hay fever sufferer, I can confirm that that can set off asthma, as a lot of people on this forum can testify. Might be worth a couple more tests (eg, CT and allergies) just to be sure.

[Hidden]

Hi Alanus

Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. It can be frustrating to manage without having any information from your healthcare professional.

It's worth talking to your GP so they can explain how that diagnosis was made and what did they see to help you understand. Asthma is variable and that can be from hour to hour this results in people attending their GP and being perfectly well during that appointment.

Anxiety will affect asthma symptoms, so I'd suggest keeping a diary of asthma symptoms, along side peak flow diary to help you understand and pinpoint any triggers. Does the blue inhaler help?

There's some information on our website here: bit.ly/2tBrd2J about managing symptoms.

Please do give our nurses helpline a call to talk through how you're feeling, you can reach them on 0300 222 5800 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Take care,

Dita