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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Is asthma constant?
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Is asthma constant?
by rebe, Aug 20, 2003 12:00AM
Years ago I was diagnosed with sports related asthma... sometimes If I was working out I would get shortness of breath and asthma attack. A few months ago I went to the doctor because of constant chest pressure, she listened to my chest and made me fake coughs... said I was wheezing and it must be my asthma.
From everything I have known about asthma in the past, it seems like it's something that comes and goes, is brought on by some type of irritant, etc. Can asthma be wheezing and CONSTANT pressure on the chest that gets worse if laying down or reclining? Is the diagnosis of asthma for those symptoms something I should be concerned about and seek a 2nd opinion on?
Thanks for any info you can provide!
From everything I have known about asthma in the past, it seems like it's something that comes and goes, is brought on by some type of irritant, etc. Can asthma be wheezing and CONSTANT pressure on the chest that gets worse if laying down or reclining? Is the diagnosis of asthma for those symptoms something I should be concerned about and seek a 2nd opinion on?
Thanks for any info you can provide!
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Aug 29, 2003 12:00AM
, Aug 29, 2003 12:00AM
Asthma is a variable disease. For some people the symptoms will come and go. For others the symptoms are constant. The basic problem is chronic inflammation in the airways of the lungs that gets better and worse at different times. Even though people can be relatively "mild" most of the time, they can have rather severe attacks after specific triggers. Exercise, like sports and working out, is a common trigger.
Asthma can change at any point in time without warning for the better or the worse. This change may be temporary or permanent. Generally the only way to know is with the passage of time. So it is possible for you to have had sports related asthma and now have wheezing and CONSTANT pressure on the chest that gets worse if laying down or reclining.
To know for sure if your symptoms are due to asthma you will need to have testing done. Generally testing starts with a simple breathing test called spirometry. This test provides detailed information about how your lungs are working. It will show if there is obstruction in your airways. The best test for asthma is to have this test is repeated after you have used a rescue inhaler. This measures how much the bronchodilator helps your lungs by reversing the problem. When there is a 20% increase the test is positive for asthma. You might consider seeing a local Board Certified Allergist for help in making the diagnosis and getting the best treatment.
Asthma can change at any point in time without warning for the better or the worse. This change may be temporary or permanent. Generally the only way to know is with the passage of time. So it is possible for you to have had sports related asthma and now have wheezing and CONSTANT pressure on the chest that gets worse if laying down or reclining.
To know for sure if your symptoms are due to asthma you will need to have testing done. Generally testing starts with a simple breathing test called spirometry. This test provides detailed information about how your lungs are working. It will show if there is obstruction in your airways. The best test for asthma is to have this test is repeated after you have used a rescue inhaler. This measures how much the bronchodilator helps your lungs by reversing the problem. When there is a 20% increase the test is positive for asthma. You might consider seeing a local Board Certified Allergist for help in making the diagnosis and getting the best treatment.
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Thanks
Qaiphyx
Rgds.
J
You may also benefit from an evaluation for allergies and/or gastric reflux. Both have been shown to worsen asthma and lung function.
A large teaching hospital with a good pulmonary department or a specialized respiratory center like National Jewish would be able to do a great evaluation.
Best of luck!
Aloha,
Starion