The "asthma" saga continues

[Fuzzymooch]

So I've written before that I'm still waiting for a diagnosis. Under asthma nurse for tests which are ongoing. During a months trial of brown inhaler I caught a cold, or so I thought. Turns out it got much worse and was told it's bacterial pneumonia.

Now I'm in limbo. There's speculation my "asthma" has been this all along. Had an identical experience 6 months prior for which one antibiotic didn't work but given no other, this time same antibiotic was given, didn't work but was changed to something else and felt better asap.

Now I'm still breathless but I've been told that could be because of the pneumonia, the asthma or both, but blue inhaler does nothing. I've also been given a silent reflux questionnaire. I'm very confused and it's getting close to Christmas which I feel like is being ruined as I'm so iffy.

Anyone been here? Any advice. Would be nice not to be the only one.

[Darceydoo]

Hi sorry you’re not getting sorted. I’d ask to see a respiratory consultant as my past experience is don’t be messed about. Where you given steroids as well as antibiotics?Have you been in contact with Asthma UK ?

[Fuzzymooch in reply to Darceydoo]

No steroids and no not contacted asthma UK. I'm still not sure I have asthma. Hoping nurse will confirm or not next week when user her.

[Poobah]

So sorry your experience has been so woeful.

Asthma nurse should be able to test for lung inflammation & give you results immediately (electronic breathing test). Lab tests on phlegm would take under a week to establish if inflammation is due to ongoing infection & appropriate treatment given based on phlegm tests. They also test for dead cells found in phlegm which helps respiratory diagnosis.

If inflammation not due to infection and inhalers not working for you it maybe time for a referral to a respiratory specialist where they can undertake tests to establish the cause of your respiratory problems.

Asthma has different causes and types. Trying to treat with generic meds doesn't always work indicating that specialist intervention now required.

May also be prudent to check what allergies you may have, not forgetting the possibility of an aspirin allergy.

Sounds like you need to have a good chat with your Asthma Nurse to establish what tests they've done and what the results were. Ask what other tests she can do and bring up idea of referral to specialist as meds not working.

NB that every infection damages lungs so v important to get on top of any residual infection ASAP.

Good luck.

[Fuzzymooch in reply to Poobah]

Thanks. Asthma nurse did spirometry, it did not suggest asthma but I was ok at the time. Doc suggested I leave it a good couple of weeks after infection as my system will be in overdrive and inflamed which means breathless-ness might be residual and resolve.

I hope that's true.