May be asthma? But phobia of drs

[jelly11]

I have started to become very short of breath and tight chested when exercising or in cold weather conditions. I think this may be asthma (due to family history), but I have a phobia of doctors and so am unsure what I can do.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[M-D-F]

Nobody likes visiting a doctor's surgery, but it is far better to visit one soonest than an booking a plot at the local cemetery, through fear!!!!!!!!!!!

[hypercat54]

You need to see a doctor so force yourself and take someone with you if you can. It's either that or put up with it I'm afraid. Good luck. x

[gerrytlloyd]

Here's a facebook page (with blog) that gives some info, and GP's are very important in order for you to find which medication works best for you with a minimum of side-effects. Most GPs/nurses will try put you through the 'official' routine of tests and prescriptions . Some might listen to your findings about the medications but then will carry on as before. Some might let you try alternative products but you won't often feel that they take your observations very seriously. But you do need at least one effective reliever. Serevent (salmeterol) is a good long-acting reliever but it seems to have more side-effect than salbutamol does (used by professional cyclists quite a bit.) facebook.com/aspirin2relief/

[Ellemog66]

It sounds like it might be asthma .it s best to see your Gp because it can be easily managed with an inhaler if it is a mild one .

[ElizabethC]

I hate seeing doctors. Really hate it. However, if I am sick enough that it is affecting my daily life, then I need to see a doctor. Believe me, I've seen a lot of them this year.

As Hypercat said, take someone with you.

Also, write down in point form (try not to write an essay):

- What your symptoms are.

- When they started,

- How frequent they are,

- How it feels etc.

- If you've had any treatment for it before or not.

- What triggers the breathlessness etc.

You can read from that or hand it over if that helps. Also, it could be helpful to be up front and say, that coming to a doctor makes you very anxious (this an issue in itself). Doctor knows what they are then dealing with.

Get someone to MAKE the appointment if you need to and come with you. But do go.

If it is asthma (and none of us here can say if it is or not), then it may get worse over time if you ignore it. If you get a cold or flu it could make the asthma flare badly. The last thing you want is to be so bad you need emergency care as that will be far more nervewracking.

Please go and see a doctor in the surgery.

Good luck.