Pectus or Asthma?

[Smurfmam]

Hi! I am 65 and have had pectus excavatum (funnel chest) as long as I can remember although I didn't realise till a few years ago. I was told I have asthma but am now wondering if in fact I don't and it is the pectus that's causing me problems. I've always had problems with shortness of breath and wheezing if doing exercise etc. Just wondering if anyone else had a similar experience?

[CDPO16]

Just saying Hi and welcome. Sorry that I can't answer your question, hopefully someone will come along who can. It may help to post your query on the UK Asthma community forum too. All I will add is to ask when you were told that you have asthma and if any tests done before you were given that diagnosis.

[Smurfmam in reply to CDPO16]

Hi, thanks for your advice. I have had inhalers for ' asthma' for about 10 years now but I can honestly say I don't think I ever had an asthma attack as such. More shortness of breath and wheezing after exercise. I will post on the other forum too as you suggested. Hopefully there will be someone else out there with a similar issue.

[CDPO16 in reply to Smurfmam]

I hope so too. Best wishes.

[glds100 in reply to Smurfmam]

My Asthma is mainly shortness of breath and wheezing after exercise. in the 35 years I have had asthma I have only had a couple of attacks. Generally caused by a chest infection.

[Smurfmam in reply to glds100]

That's interesting. Can I ask if you think inhalers help?

[knitter]

Hi, the BLF has an article on pectus excavatum ( funnel chest ) on its website....that might be helpful for you to read.The BLF also has a helpline open during the working week for UK residents on 03000 030 555.

They can advise .

Best wishes .

[Smurfmam in reply to knitter]

Thank you I will take a look. Take care

[Izb1]

Hi Smurfmam and welcome to the site. I was treated for asthma for years when in fact I had bronchiectasis, alot of doctors treated chest ailments as asthma years ago and didnt really know any difference. If you are uncertain ask your doctor to refer you and get it checked x

[Smurfmam in reply to Izb1]

Thank you. I'll take your advice.