Depressed because of my breathing issues. I don't know where to go from here...

[Guy_001]

My breathing issue started atleast 2 years and 10 months ago. I was in the kitchen, and i remember i exhaled and heard a crackly sensation coming from my throat. Did not think much of it, but as time went on, it got worst, and i was able to pin point it to my left lung. After trying so many medications for allergies, asthma, post nasal drip, qvar, prednisone with so many doctors, none were able to diagnose me. I never had short of breathe, even in the begining of this sad time of my life, but as time went on, the crackly sensation turned into more of an obstructive feeling which made me feel like i couldnt breathe as efficiently. There would be times where i was sitting at my office desk and i felt like i was choking, it felt like the coughing i was doing to cough up whatever i had actually made my breathing worst. I've had a CT scan done 1 year and some months before this, when i had to literally take time off of work as i was not okay mentally because my breathing issue felt THAT bad. I was crying and screaming for months as i couldnt breathe right, i literally thought i was gonna die. CT scan, however, came back normal. A pulmonologist gave me Trellegy for Asthma which helped alot at the time, but i gradually felt like it was more clogging my left lung. Before this i had multiple chest rays done which showed nothing as well. Multiple Spirometry tests done, nothing. The most recent one i've attached. Fast forward to now, i still have breathing issues. Now i can actually feel some mucus in my upper right lung, similar to my upper left side except my upper left side feels more "clogged". Yesterday, went to another Pulmonologist, said that he thinks i have atypical Asthma taking into consideration all the tests that have been done up until now. I have been taking Trellegy Ellipta on and off up until now to relieve the symptoms sometimes, but the clogged feeling never completely goes away. Hypertonic Saline helps loosen it and makes my chest vibrate more, but i never cough up anything. Doctors have even suggested i might have sonantic disorder as tests have never shown anything and i have a somewhat of a hostory of being a hypochondriac. There have been 2 instances where something came up in the past 2 years and some months. It was this white, extremely sticky mucus. I even got an Endoscopy done which found i had H. Pylori, GERD, and Gastritis. However, according to the Gastro doc, there should be no connection between my breathing issue and stomach issues. Long story short, I guess i just came here to vent, because i'm certain that this is leading up to a chronic bronchitis diagnosis. I'm certain i won't live to see 40. I quit my job cuz these exacerbations were just getting too random and severe. While i have don't smoke, i have been exposed to lung irritants before in my previous job which i'd prefer to not to go into detail about as it's traumatizing. I'm really depressed, i wish i was healthy again, like i used to be, i used to literally walk for miles on end without running out of breathe, go on random walks through the city, and now, i dont even wanna go outside to walk cuz i get extremely paranoid over people smoking around me, air pollution, everything. Not only that, but the feeling of mucus in my chest makes me even more anxious as well as i get out of breathe when these exacerbations get bad. At the end of it all, i'm lost, i don't know where to take my life from here. I miss who i used to be. I miss that could givr my girlfriend a happier life than were living now...

[Troilus]

Oh Guy. You are really not in a good place right now are you. It seems to me you have been tested to death but, as is often the case, have not been very well supported.

Asthma can cause all of the symptoms you are experiencing. The feeling that your breathing isn’t right, periods of breathlessness, stubborn mucus etc and yes, it is classed as an obstructive illness - if illness is the correct word.

It can get better. It can get to the point where you feel normal, but it can also take time to get there.

You say you have tried various asthma medication including prednisone. Did you feel any better after those?

One thing that stood out for me when reading your post was you said you had been taking “Trellegy Ellipta on and off up until now to relieve the symptoms sometimes.” Trellegy is what is called a preventer medication and is meant to be taken as prescribed every day even if you are feeling well. It takes a while (some say 6 weeks) to reach it’s full effect. It is designed to reduce inflammation and keep the airways open. You should have a separate blue inhaler to use to help to give you relief when you are experiencing difficulties. Typically the response to this inhaler is much quicker but the effect wears off (typically around 4 hours) more quickly than Trellegy. I don’t know how long or how often you take this medication as I don’t take it. I take the same medications from separate inhalers as I need a stronger dose of the steroid than Trellegy can offer.

Do you have an asthma nurse? If so, it might be worth booking an appointment for an asthma review. She could talk you through your meds - what they are for and when to take them. She could also explain peak flow to you and you could then keep a record of your peak flow to help understand and control your condition.

And just as a side note - lots of people with asthma ( including me) have GERD and post nasal drip.

I hope things start to improve for you.

[Guy_001 in reply to Troilus]

Thank you for the insight and advice, i really appreciate it.

[Tia4209]

Hi Guy

Most people with reflux problems say it causes mucus, coughing and feeling breathless, also if the acid from Reflux gets in your lungs it can cause infections and asthma type symptoms. The acid that is refluxed burns your oesophagus and the body creates mucus to protect it. Also some PPI’s used to treat GERD can cause coughing as a side effect. So maybe you need a 2nd opinion from a GI doctor.

[lejaya]

Hi Guy

I have reflux and it makes me cough after eating and makes my asthma worse I take omeprazole daily which helps. I had a barium swallow test which confirmed reflux. I've also had many normal lung function tests only a few have shown asthma but they are usually normal.

I also saw a GI doc who was very helpful so also worth a try

[Alberta56]

I hope these helpful comments will help you get the better of this. good luck.

[Izb1]

Its hard to get the right inhaler especially if the doctors dont know what is causing your problems but i would go back and ask to change your inhaler, it could make the difference you are seeking. I would also ask about Carbocisteine that will help loosen any mucus you may have. Going back to work could also make a huge difference, being at home at your age isnt good , you have too much time to dwell on problems and need to socialise. Have you tried running? ( thats if you can run, I cant but would love to) this may help your mucus loosen up and bring up anything sticking to your lungs. I hope you find the cause of your crackles Guy as this seems to be spoiling things for you x

[poppyshola]

Hello there ... I totally understand your frustration, I've been battling for years with my tummy and chest problems ... I've also questioned as to whether I could have Cystic fibrosis because I feel that they aggravate each other ... I have Bronchiectasis and Asthma and Rhinitis so have experience of quite a few meds and their effects.. and take all sorts of stuff for my IBS etc..When I'm having problems with my tummy it swells with air and feels like it pushes my other organs up under my lungs and makes me breathless , and I also feel this air going up my back up to my shoulder blades, and start feeling a pounding pulse in my head .. its not a nice feeling ... it actually goes away about 30 minutes after I take my painkillers...

I also understand that click in the chest when you breath in that'so irritating it doesn't seem to go away until you can remove (cough up) what's causing it ... I would suggest you try a bronchial medicine in a little hot water a few times daily but I also feel you would benefit by having a Ventolin inhaler too and I'm quite surprised that you wasn't prescribed one ...

I hope you manage to find someone to help .. they're nothing worse than feeling like you're not being listened to

[Rukkyakp in reply to poppyshola]

dear poppy, I’d advise you go for H-pylori test. These symptoms of yours are exactly same with mine until I got test and treated for H-pylori. Painkiller is not the solution

[Cornishman1966]

I know how you feel. Four years ago I was reasonably fit and healthy and had my mild asthma all under control. Now I've gone from someone who used to race the dog up hills to someone who gets breathless sitting still in a chair. It can't be much fun for my wife seeing me like this, but she'd stayed by me and put up with all the anger and frustration. It's at times like this that I realise I picked the right one. Maybe when all the current health crises are out of the way, people like us may get looked after a little better. Take care.

[Homely2 in reply to Cornishman1966]

I have trouble walking etc, but I can swim. So I use swimming to keep some fitness.

[Jess_hill]

1. There is ALWAYS a connection between lung issues and stomach issues, doctors just don't know how to explain it or treat it because it's not well-understood, but auto-immune over-reactions, inflammation, bacteria may all play a role. The lung and digestive systems are the same system in Chinese medicine, as any acupuncturist will tell you. Acupuncture is something you could try if you haven't already.

2. Try doing active cycle of breathing or a similar respiratory physio technique to help to bring up the mucus. it takes a little bit of practice, but it works. It works best after exercise, as vigorous as you can. For me it works best lying on my back.

[Homely2]

To me a key is being able to get out and about. My asthma is easily triggered, if you are the same, simply wear a mask when you go out, to protect yourself from smoke etc.

[Wendywiffle80]

Hello Guy Its sad to hear your story but hopefully some of the responses will help you,It may be that you could ask your G.P if they could put you intouch with a therapist to talk through your worries as I do know from experience that stress worry and feeling despondent can cause lots of issues especially with breathing and pains in your chest and it becomes a vicious circle spiralling downwards and making life quite unbearable at times, I truly hope you can soon get some help and life starts looking up for you.

[macnsyl]

Hi Guy

Your pulmonary tests look OK. I had a similar problem where my COPD did not indicate the quanity of my dipsnia. It took two years to find out I had pulmonary hypertension. Get an echocardiogram to checkit out. Pumnonary Hypertension id renound for beingthe last thing Docters will recognoize; they usually are not that well trained in this relatively rare disease.

[Patk1]

Read up on lung clearance techniques and if u do have mucous get it up.some of us have been doing this Many times a day for years,because we produce masses of mucous.only 1 way up- do it ourselves.Anxiety can create breathing difficulties and u sound v anxious.

If you take responsibility to get mucous up, the feeling will ease.

Nxt,take responsibility for anxiety - get help,be that via counselling,CBT and/or medication via gp.meditation,music and exercise r all good coping strategies.again,u have to take responsibility and commit to self help.every mindsmatter r good,u can self refer and speak to them.their details are online.

Your health anxiety isnt helping but these measures should help. You could also speak to ALUK nurses.

Personally,while yr not diagnosed with lung disease,beyond asthma,I'd be thankful.its no fun with deep lung and airway diseases which DO show in xrays,scans and tests,with lungs+ airways failing.

It's up to u to get help + take action to feel better.