Not sure if I have asthma or not?

[MrHeisenberg]

Hi all,

I've been to see various chest specialists over the years and have been on inhaled steroids over the past 10 years or so.

When I was a child I was awakened in the night by profound breathlessness. This reoccurred on various occasions. I consulted my GP who measured my peak flow which I understand was below average albeit at that time. I was prescribed Ventolin.

I have also suffered from rhinosinusitis all of my life. I underwent surgery for this around 10 years ago.

In around the year 2006, I was troubled by breathlessness, a cough, profound fatigue alongside nasal/sinus symptoms. This was brought about following my employer’s relocation of offices and as I had a severely adverse reaction to the air conditioning (cold dry air). During this time I believe my symptoms were at their worst.

I then consulted a chest specialist who investigated this issue by requesting a chest x-ray and referring me for lung function tests which were both normal.

This consultant did seem to be of the view that I had asthma.

I then met with another chest specialist for a further opinion. This consultant listened to my breathing and detected an issue (signs of wheezing). He subsequently referred me for a CT scan and carried out a bronchoscopy which, I understand, made it clear that my airways were inflamed.

I was prescribed oral steroids which I found to be immensely helpful. I was also prescribed inhaled steroids which I have used ever since.

Recently I have been troubled by a cough a fatigue so I met with another chest specialist. This person seems to believe I may not have asthma as he thinks the diagnostic method used previously was not robust. He asked that I undergo a nitric oxide test which I refused as I felt it may be unnecessary.

I am really puzzled and concerned that the clinician I saw last is making a mess of things. Could my childhood asthma suddenly cure itself?

I should be grateful for any input.

Sincere thanks.

[ChrissieMons]

I haven't heard of any cases of asthma curing itself, although it can subside and then might or might not reappear. Even when one has 'grown out of it' the potential for it to resurface is always there. The nitric oxide test is a standard thing, one of a range of tests people undergo to cross check on lung conditions; it's only breathing into a machine. The cough and fatigue is something that is getting to a lot of people at the moment. When your lungs are already compromised, any infection, be it viral or bacterial, is going to make you feel rotten and as we get older, everything takes longer to heal. Have a chat with the nurse at Asthmauk and see if she can sort it out with you.

Good luck!

[MrHeisenberg in reply to ChrissieMons]

Thanks.

I heard the nitric oxide test isn't very accurate and what you have eaten etc. can have an impact on the results.

[Abc64 in reply to ChrissieMons]

My daughter grew out of asthma as she got older.

[Abc64]

I was diagnosed 3 years ago with asthma. I have been told it is stage 4. Last week, I saw a specialist, who thinks it may not be asthma. He is referring me to the specialist asthma team. I'm really tired all of the time. I use fostair 4 puffs twice a day, montelukast tablets, a braltus inhaler once a day and various other medications. If it's not asthma, any ideas what it may be?

[MrHeisenberg in reply to Abc64]

Sounds like you and me are in a similar situation.

The problem is medicine isn't an exact science, which means they can get things wrong and justify their vastly different diagnoses - very frustrating.

[Jacmidlands in reply to Abc64]

Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis? The nitric oxide test is fine, no worse than spirometry. It shows how much inflammation is in your lungs.