A question...

[lmcdee]

Hi guys,

I'm new here (though not to asthma - 21 years since diagnosis and counting).

I've always had 'uncontrolled' asthma in the sense that I've needed to use my reliever inhaler almost every day. Since I was diagnosed at 6 yrs old, I've been given increasingly stronger inhalers/doses as it's only really gotten worse.

However, I rarely have asthma attacks, I don't wheeze, my chest always sounds clear and my oxygen is perfect. My actual symptoms are tightness of chest, breathlessness (walking fast and talking is very difficult haha), persistent cough and at least one or two chest infections a year.

In the past 3 months my symptoms have worsened, and I've now been referred to the respiratory clinic at the hospital. The thing I'm worried about is; what if I don't really need to go? What if I'm just wasting their time? Is it weird to feel like this? I guess I'm just paranoid that I'm not 'ill' enough, that I could be taking a slot away from someone who needs it more, and that the consultant will think I'm a massive hypochondriac.

Did anyone else feel like this before they saw a consultant?

Lx

[starveycat]

Welcome Imdcee I think we always feel that there might not be much wrong with us as with a broken arm you can see that but not broken lungs . the consultant will not think you are wasting his time as your gp said it was necessary. I thought when I got asthma perhaps it was all in my mind , until I asked my husband to blow in my puffers then I realized I was ill did not do much good he did not rush out to buy me chocs and grapes take care and try not to worry ♥♥♥

[Polzovatel]

Hi, I have very similar symptoms - mainly shortness of breath ( cannot take deep breath) , which is worse on exertion and when talking, also had chronic cough for a few years, I am under specialist clinic and as I don't wheeze and my lung function is not bad I always thought that it was not asthma but the consultant seems to think that it is asthma and this type of asthma is sometimes more difficult to control as it doesn't respond to steroids.

Does reliever inhaler help you?

[juliesharp]

I do not wheeze either but my blue inhaler really helps. My consultant says I have hyperventalition but still treats me with inhalers and physio therapy.