Asthma or copd

Hi, I'm a 36 year old Male, previous smoker of around 18 years, quit for 3. Currently under investigation by the local hospital for asthma.

18 months ago, I all of a sudden became short of breath, literally within minutes, with no explanation. This lasted for around a week. Then I was fine, running 6 miles a day as per, until a month later, when the same thing happened. I became extremely tight chested and breathless within minutes, but it lasted for months, and 18 months later still hasn't returned to normal. It is better than it was, I'm running again, gym etc, but it's still not right. Some days I feel great, others not so great. I'm currently being investigated for asthma, I'm on ventolin and fobumix inhalers, which don't do a great deal. I'd like a ct scan on my chest, but not sure how to get one. I've had a spirometery and lung function test, both of which were great. I just done get it. One minute great, the next like this. Anyone similar?

Thanks, Luke

[Smfri2020]

I am dealing with this ! It’s horrible ! I’m going today to my primary doctor to see what he says but with me I have acid reflux which I think is what’s aggravating my airways and giving me that sensation of hunger for air and tightness in chest .

[Hidden in reply to Smfri2020]

I've had extremely bad indigestion/reflux in the past, to the point where I'm doubled over in pain

[Smfri2020 in reply to Hidden]

Maybe that is the Cause ! That acid can go into your lungs and irritate your airways and cause you to have shortness of breathe . Have you seen a gastroenterologist . I would recommend you do soon if your reflux is bad to see one it feels like a heart attack . I would recommend sleeping inclined just so your not laying flat at night and don’t eat spicy foods or acidic foods .

- Sarah

[Jjude1003]

My experience is similar. No problem my whole life. A runner. At about age 45 all of a sudden can’t can’t get a breath in. Normal pulmonary function tests and heart cleared so some doctors treated me like there is nothing wrong and it must be in my head (anxiety). Extremely frustrating. My suggestion would be to press the doctors to figure it out. My condition never fully went away. With me, after years now of trying to figure it out, my conclusion is there seem to be multiple variables. I seem to have something called Vocal Chord Dysfunction and there also seem to be some environmental and food sensitivities (wool, down, nuts, wheat, etc.). It’s been so frustrating to sort out. The most helpful thing a pulmonologist told me is that it’s common for there to be multiple triggers and when you are exposed to enough of them in combination your body responds. I definitely need the long acting inhalers now. I find the rescue (albuterol, etc) only slightly helpful. I also now realize that leading up to my first period of difficulty I was really abusing my body. Stressful job, not enough sleep, terrible diet with a lot of processed food and all the inflammation catalysts, punishing exercise, etc. Anyway, welcome to the club. Stay hopeful. Everyone is individual. Figure out your triggers and get on the right meds. Find a good asthma expert that listens to you. Getting the right care and taking care of yourself there is a good chance you can get back to running.

[Hidden in reply to Jjude1003]

Hi Jjude1003, thank you for such a detailed reply. It absolutely boggles the mind, how we can feel so fit and healthy one minute and so unhealthy the next, with no one to tell us what the problem is. I'm glad you're getting some help, I just wish my pulmonologist was as forthcoming. Hopefully over the next few weeks I'll hear something from him.

Kind regards

Luke