Asthma/Reflux/Shortness of Breath question

[kingfisher51]

Hi, I'm new here. I have been having shortness of breath 3 months ago, and then coming into winter (NZ), started to develop a funny throat/wheeze 2 months ago and was told I had asthma. I've barely had any relief from the medications. I've had a chest xray, lung CT scan with dye, blood tests and everything is fine. Although my iron levels are low, doctors don't think that could be affecting my breathing and think it's from the asthma. So was back in hospital in the weekend after having an asthma attack after being badly congested with a head cold. Had no relief from the nebuliser. Dr asked if I get silent reflux, which I said I was diagnosed by a scope with that last year. But thought I had it under control, but maybe not as much as I thought. My question is I understand the reflux can mimic asthma, but is shortness of breath a symptom? It's really affecting everything I do. But then I don't know if the iron is causing it also. So I've been put on a short course of losec to see if it helps my asthma symptoms since normal asthma meds aren't. How long would the medication work to help settle symptoms? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[Fleurbaby]

Hi, l am a kiwi too! I live in a housing nz unit in Grey Lynn. I knew I had copd for a while, but, anyway can catch up on that by reading my profile.

I have taken losec for a couple of years, all the doctors seem to love it! So, you can have a problem there! As far as they are concerned, you are 1, we are many(professionals), you are not!

They(like everyone does) forget YOU live with this/these problems 24/7, you think about this problem 24/7, they don't! They go home at night, & live their lives, my illnesses don't operate between 9 & 5, I contend with them overnight, which is the worst time!

I have trouble breathing, probably couple times an hour. Lately(couple months) my throat has been swollen to the extent it is hard to eat as chewing and swallowing is very painful! Sometimes, painful enough, I have to stop in shock, until I realise that screaming I heard was me!

I suffer once a week or so with a swollen tongue, I THINK! From my type2 diabetes, I think my tongue swells up from "something ", and I bite the sides of my tongue, causing ulcers! Which are hugely painful, & stick around all week!

This is just one of my many problems!

My diabetes consultant has booked me in for a Bariatric surgery, he said I will be assessed constantly over 6 months, as it is an expensive operation. He said if I want it, l will be assessed on my ability to come out of anesthesia, in 6 months, hopefully I will have lost 20/30 kgs and might not need it!

[kingfisher51 in reply to Fleurbaby]

Just wanted to say hi, and re your swollen tongue, I believe that could be a thyroid thing also. Maybe ask your doctor to run a thyroid panel next time you're there. Good luck with the process of having your bariatric surgery

[knitter]

I thought anaemia could cause breathlessness, could you check.

I have been anaemic from time to time.

[kingfisher51 in reply to knitter]

My doctor thinks because my iron panel bloods are within range I'm okay. However, they are all bordering on the low side, and I have just since found out I really should be supplementing as you are right, low iron can cause shortness of breath.

[O2Trees]

Shortness of breath CAN be a reflux symptom. As far as I remember kingfisher, if it's asthma or copd, breathing OUT is the problem. If the breathless is due to reflux though, then breathing in is difficult. If you have all three conditions it's probably hard to tell but worth asking your doctor, and just checking your breathing yourself too.

[kingfisher51 in reply to O2Trees]

Yes! Breathing in is more harder than breathing out. So if that's the case it must be reflux asthma. Thank you

[Ergendl]

Losec starts to work pretty quickly. If I stop taking it for 2 days all the symptoms come back with indigestion and poorer breathing, and they go away again within a few hours if I start taking it again.

[kingfisher51]

UPDATE: I have only just seen my doctor, and he advises if I haven't responded well to asthma meds or even losec than maybe it's a sinus thing as I didn't realise I had that also. I did a Spirometry test at the doctors, and that came back within normal range even with my shortness of breath and wheezing. But I've been referred to an ENT and a respiratory specialist to see what they can help with.

[Lunglady]

Hi. I sound similar to you. I have been breathless for a few months now. I've been on asthma meds but haven't noticed much (if any) difference. I went back last week to be told it could be nasal drip now been given allergy meds to try. If they don't have an effect then I'll be referred to ENT. Let me know how you are doing.