New and worried.

[GlennJames]

Hello I had trouble breathing one Very Hot night last Summer and went to Doc who gave ma a Ventolin reliever inhaler and said I had probably developed Asthma. I had a sore throat all through January and felt a bit ill during the first few weeks of Feb then bang i couldn't breathe and have had a bad cough. I have been to the docs twice and was put on antibiotics and predisolone for a week. I also had a spiro test and was told I could be borderline Copd. Have finished the tablets but have had trouble with breathing all week and using ventolin every couple of hours and sleeping difficulty. If i do have copd is it only that I have a chest infection that at the moment is giving me bad breathing problems as I am worried that I could constantly be like this. Am going back to docs tomorrow for another test and check up. Thank You so much if you reply.

[sassy59]

I’m glad you are seeing your doctor again as you are still having problems. Hope things work out well for you and do stay in touch. Xxxx

[GlennJames in reply to sassy59]

Thank you Sassy I will. Hope you are well. xx

[Hidden]

Welcome to the forum. It sounds to me as if you were brewing this chest infection for a while before you saw your gp, and therefore a week of antibiotics and steroids has failed to knock it on the head. Many gps don’t treat chest infections aggressively enough in my opinion. Go back to your GP tomorrow (say it’s an emergency if you have to, as needing to use ventolin so often when you’ve previously been well means you need prompt intervention with this.) If you’re coughing up any sputum, get a pot from your chemist & take a sample to the GP.

Unless you’ve a history of smoking, I wouldn’t take much notice of “borderline copd”. It’s an unhelpful diagnosis. My mother was told that but it proved to be nothing of the kind. Asthma affects spirometry so maybe have another test once that’s settled and the infection has cleared (which I’m sure it will.) It’s been a dreadful winter for lung problems but with an extended course of antibiotics you’ll probably be fine soon.

Ps just noticed you ARE going back tomorrow- good luck!

[GlennJames in reply to Hidden]

Unfortunately I have smoked a little for years but have stopped since I was told this 2 weeks ago and wont be going back. Working outside as a Home Delivery Driver through those six weeks of feeling a bit rough obviously didn't help . I will do as you say about the pot of sputum and the fact I shouldn't be needing to use the Ventolin so much. Thank you for positive words I am keeping my fingers crossed.

[2greys]

No matter what your condition is, be it Asthma or COPD, using that much Ventolin indicates that it is not under control, you should go back to see your doctor and tell him this.

[GlennJames in reply to 2greys]

I will be sure to mention this. Thank You for replying

[soulsaver]

Using ventolin every couple of hours will cause sleeping difficulty, although that may not be the only cause in your case..

I'd agree with Hanne62's advice albeit I'd save producing the sample until you've seen the GP as it requires his paperwork lab request and freshest sample is better.. so try for the earliest appointment.

Best wishes

[Dubba61]

Hi Glenn, i think you should ask to see the respiratory Nurse. As i,m told i should only need to use Ventolin occasionally. Hopefully, they should give you a ," Preventer" inhaler which you take each morning. I have 2. They do help.

[GlennJames]

Thanks for replies. I went back to docs and had another spiro test and my doctor said it wasn't copd or Asthma but a nasty Chest infection. Didn't really understand why they would give this Test though when I was already having breathing difficulties through illness ? I never realised that a Chest Infection could cause anyone to have such a shortness of breath, I am still having trouble with the Infection and Breathing, and it sure is scary, have been put on Doxycycline, so hopefully they will be beneficial. Thanks again for replies and Hope you are all as Well as can be. Glenn.