Is wheezing always a symptom...

  • Thread starter Thread starter JewelryJulie
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JewelryJulie

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I am very confused with my diagnosis. I am 38 and started having breathing problems about 2 yrs ago. I didn't know that it was lung issues until recently. My dr. put me on syrabicort after my lung function test showed me at being rather low. However, I have never wheezed not even once. Is lowered lung function a diagnosis or a symptom? Once I was on this medicine for 3 months, my lung function tests returned to normal. Does anyone have any ideas/thoughts about this?
 
Yes, that is the dr. I am seeing, but he didn't want to say it was asthma right away for some reason, not sure what else you would have reduced lung function and breathing issues then? I had an xray done.
 
I asked him about that, esp. since I worked around second hand smoke for many years. He didn't seem concerned. No one ever seems concerned though as I LOOK normal, not that I ever FEEL normal. I would think if something came up on my xray he would have mentioned it, no?
 
Asthma and associated conditions do not show up on x rays. The breathing function tests are what show that.
 
Breath function testing and interview history are both very important in your asthma diagnosis. Wheezing is not always a symtom.

Personally, I don't wheeze often. I cough. I can get some shortness of breath.

X-rays are used to rule other things out. I work with an at-risk population. For me, it was important in ruling out any TB.

I've had times when my follow-up appointments with my Pulmonologist when I'm OK. My PFT's come back normal. During those times, he is relying heavily on my self-reporting. My Pulm will spend about 1/2 hr-45 min. just asking detailed questions.

Another thought: Your reflux could be triggering your symptoms. I didn't know how badly until I had some major asthma problems last year. I was taking PPI's twice a day for the reflux and not feeling any reflux symptoms at the time of my pulmonology appointment. I thought it was under control. My Pulmonologist had me do some Barium Swallow testing. I thought it was going to be a waste of money. Turns out that the asthma was coming up and irritating my lungs. In my case, it was severely affecting my breathing and triggering the asthma. In some people, the irritation can mimic asthma. I ended up going back and forth between my Pulm and GI doc for my follow-ups to get things under control.
 
Yeah, it could be anything I guess. Lately, I have severe chest restriction, and shortness of breath (which is worse upon activity). I am under a great deal of stress and had a major family situation this week as well. I have been on a PPI for like 5 yrs everyday. I feel it is under control, but having a hiatal hernia as well, and symptoms of that, who knows? I guess I was worried about the fact that he didn't give a definite diagnosis and also seemed happy that my spyro test is back to nearly perfect. So, I don't know why I still feel like this. It is kind of off and on, perhaps due to stress.....
 
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