Could someone guide me?

[EpelFelmier]

For several years, I've been experiencing respiratory symptoms that haven't been thoroughly investigated. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could guide me, as I'm really worried about my health and feel like I'm not being taken seriously.

Symptoms:

Constant nasal congestion for over 4 years (no discharge or headache)

Cough with thick phlegm

Persistent sensation of mucus in the throat and mouth (without knowing how it gets there)

Frequent lung infections

Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down

Recurring chest pain

Wheezing (detected with a stethoscope)

Salty-tasting sweat

Constant constipation

Background:

I've been to the hospital several times, but they've only performed auscultations, nothing more. My mother says it's all due to the flu or a virus and tells the doctors about it, so they don't perform further tests. They've told me it's not asthma. For my part, I'm studying to become a nursing assistant, and as I'm learning about respiratory illnesses, I'm concerned about the possibility of cystic fibrosis or another undiagnosed chronic lung disease.

I don't want to self-diagnose, but these symptoms have been affecting me for many years, and I don't want to continue without at least some guidance. Is it possible this could be cystic fibrosis or another serious condition that needs further evaluation with more comprehensive testing, such as a sweat test or pulmonary function tests?

I really appreciate your time.

[Mydoggnasher]

Hello....you really should insist on seeing a respiratory consultant....go to your gp without your mum....she probably thinks she knows best..but it really seems like you need to see somebody ASAP....Hope all goes well and everything is OK 👍 take care 🐶

Lesley....Gnasher the dog 🐕 ❤️

[EpelFelmier in reply to Mydoggnasher]

Fine, I should try to go alone, thanks, I'll see what I can do. Take Care!

[Mydoggnasher in reply to EpelFelmier]

You could also speak to the lung team on here....go to main page .Phone number or email should be there.

They are brilliant and I'm positive they would be able to advise you 😊

Please give them a call 📞 🙏.

[Mydoggnasher in reply to Mydoggnasher]

0300 222 5800

[Swizzy]

None of us are doctors and so we cannot diagnose you. There is no doubt that with your symptoms you need proper investigations by a pulmonary consultant. I can see why you fear you may have cystic fibrosis. This is very unlikely but there is another condition with very similar symptoms called bronchiectasis. It has to be diagnosed by ct scan and can be managed very successfully. Your first step is to look at your nearest big teaching hospital for the name of a respiratory consultant who is a specialist in bronchiectasis. They will also know about asthma and other conditions. Take the name to your doctor and insist on a referral. Don't take no for an answer and if possible go without your mother. Her interfering is not helping you.

[sassy59]

Welcome to the forum. You’ve had good replies and l just want to wish you well. Take good care of yourself. Xxx

[Alberta56]

Welcome to the forum. I hope it reassures you that you have had some positive and sensible advice on here. You need to get rid of that phlegm, which is providing a lovely breeding ground for bugs. I'm surprised your doctors have not picked that up. Very good luck- hope you can soon see a sympathetic doctor on your own. xxx

[Patk1]

Welcome to the forum.i agree with earlier reply - go to your dr without mum.with this list of symptoms.request they do tests initially. Including bloods.peak flow.listen to chest.check throat.nose.ears. often nasal/ sinus congestion causes catarrh ( mucous) to drip from back of nose down into throat. There are treatments for this.yr chest xray may show reason for pain+ symptoms and bloodtests are useful. If dr hasn't got answers after tests and examination. Do request a ct scan and referral to respiratory dept.x

[MoyB]

My mother used to do all the talking in front of the doctor and I got into trouble if I tried to contradict so I understand your difficulty. You didn't mention your age but as you are posting on here I presume you are over 18 and so are entitled to make your own appointment with your gp and go alone. Perhaps you could explain to them the issue with your mum and ask that they support you by addressing all questions to you and asking her to let you reply yourself. That is, if she finds out you went alone and insists on coming in future (mum's mean well but often think they know best when that might not be the case).

Good luck with finding some answers.

[watergazer]

hi and welcome. You’ve been given lots of good advice and I agree too. You need to see a respiratory specialist and maybe with out your mum xx

[Bronchi1]

I'm not a medical person but have asthma and bronchiectasis. Has anyone mentioned bronchiectasis? Copious phlegm is a common symptom . Alternatively if you have a lot of nasal congestion is it running down the back of your throat and causing the cough? Sounds like you have had a lot of investigations. I presume you have seen consultants? If not you must ask to be referred to one and for second opinion if getting nowhere. Sounds very tiring for you. Others have said go to the GP alone and if you can that might be a good idea. Let us know how you get on.

[islande]

I agree with all previous comments but it also sounds like you've got sinus issues insist to your gp to see respotory specialist and an ent specialist it is your right as a uk citizen to have a 2nd opinion. people are usually born with cystic fibrois I think but don't quote me on thatring the helpline as my dog kasher gave you the number for.good luck

[kev60]

hi, welcome like others have mentioned see your doctor maybe take a friend instead of your mum, my dad use to interrupt with good intentions. And you need to try and not overthink things wait for a diagnosis, I know it can be hard but in the long term it’s better for your sanity. Hope you get seen soon.Kevin

[PaperQueen]

Wishing you well and hoping you can get an appointment with a proper respiratory consultant soon. xx