Hi new here.

[Mmmd01]

Hi I am new here and looking for some advice.

I went to my gp on Thursday because I have been having problems breathing and a really tight chest. The gp said she could hear any wezzing and did my oxygen levels they were 100% when sat down but dipped to 80% when walking. She sent me off to hospital thinking I had a clot everything came back normal. Went back to GP yesterday and she gave me an inhaler and sent me for breathing tests (sorry can't remember the nane) anyway when I was given the inhaler 1/2 way though my chest felt a lot lighter and I could breath a bit better. The test came back normal but the last 4 breaths after the inhaler where the best I'd done. My peak flow was 391 before and 457 after the inhaler. After 2 hours my chest got really tight again I took the inhaler the GP gave me and it helped.

Do you think this is asthma?

my mum and dad both have asthma plus my dad has copd plus a few other lung problems.

[Mmmd01]

Sorry it was ment to say gp couldn't hear any wezzing

[Hidden]

You would really need to be seen by a chest consultant to determine what is causing your tight chest. But if the GP gave you an inhaler that helps, please do use it as prescribed. Have you a follow up appointment for your doctor to check your progress. If so, ask if he/she thinks you might have Asthma. You could have a spirometry test at your doctors that would give them an idea of what might be going on. You could Speak to an asthma expert nurse on Asthma UK's helpline 0300 222 5800

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

[Mmmd01 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply that's the test I had yesterday at the GP. I have to go back the hospital next week to see how I am feeling but gp didn't say to go back or anything she doesn't think it is asthma because I have now wezzing

[risabel59 in reply to Mmmd01]

One thing you should know, is that lots of people have asthma who don't always wheeze. Although it is a common symptom, some people don't. Unfortunately many G/P's seem to think it is a pre-requisite for asthma. I do wheeze, but when I am well it is very high pitched and although my consultant can always hear it, my G/P doesn't.

Spirometry, FeNo and Reversibility tests are normally first line for diagnosing asthma. Then after that blood tests and allergy testing.

R x

[Mmmd01 in reply to risabel59]

I had loads of bloods done at the hospital I have to go back for results for some next week. My dad has never wheezed with his and my mum only does if she is really ill. I will see what they say at the hospital next week and hope they listen to me.

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to Mmmd01]

I don't often wheeze they (gp) has told me it doesn't sound like asthma... respiratory consultant says it's probably asthma he just wants to know what type

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

You don't need to wheeze to have asthma but a lot of doctors don't seem to realise this! The tests you did showing your peak flow improved after the inhaler, plus the fact your symptoms improved with it, are much more useful than a wheeze. It may have been technically normal as a number but it still shows reversibility. The fact there is asthma in your family is also suggestive.

I would go back and see a different GP if you can. Maybe also call the Asthma UK nurses before so you can go armed with knowledge! They are very helpful.

[Mmmd01 in reply to Lysistrata]

Thank you I have to go back the hospital next week so will tell them about it see what they think then if it's a no go I will see a different gp. My fvc before inhaler was 3.57 and after was 4.36 so to me it looks like there was improvement but I am not sure what it all means.

[Superzob]

definitely sounds like asthma to me, but you will probably be offered a preventer inhaler, rather than just the reliever you have at present, to keep it under control permanently. Hope it goes well for you.