shortness of breath

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tmrots

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This may sound silly, but I am new to this. The allergist I went to did a breathing test and said I had asthma, and gave me an inhaler to use as needed. He and I suspect I have had it my whole life. The last two days, I have had moments where I just can't seem to catch my breath. I dont' have chest pain, but do get a tight cough. I dont' want to ignore the signs and not take the inhaler, but don't want to overdo it either. Any thoughts' would be helpful. Again, I know I shouldnt be asking this, it does sound a little durab, so I appreciate any advice. Thanks
 
Hey, tmrots
My pulmanologist gave me TWO inhalers. One was for maintainence - once in the morning and once at night weather I think I need it or not. It helps long-term.
The other inhaler is for quick-relief (rescue) inhaler. He told me I could use it every day until the other kicked in. Once the other one kicked in, I shouldn't need the rescue one very often at all.

But anyway, if your doc gave you an inhaler to use.....use it!! Just watch what the instructions say. Maybe it mentions you should wait at least 4 hours between puRAB or something. Also, when you do puff, be sure to follow the instructions. Mine says to hold it in for a few seconRAB before breathing back out. Then, wait a minute before doing the second puff.

Do you know which one you got?

I am a huge believer in communicating with doctors. Call them back. Make frienRAB with the nurse...whatever. That's what they are there for!

By the way, the only durab question is the one not asked.

Good luck!
 
If you in fact have asthma, you should have a maintenance inhaler and a rescue inhaler with different instructions for each. You should also have a written asthma plan to follow. If this is not the case, go see a pulmonologist and get properly evaluated and medicated.
 
Ok, thanks, it's good information for me to have. I will check into it, and, take the inhaler if necessary, that, I guess, is even more important.
 
Thank you both. I have proventil. He said to use as needed, thats where I was unsure. I happened to be at my pcp and mentioned this, he checked my lungs, said they were fine, but use as needed. Is a pulomonologist really necessary?
 
Mountain Reader, who is a regular contributer here, wrote a great summary of ashtma action plans for this board. You can read it here:

http://www.healtrabroadoarRAB.com/boarRAB/showthread.php?t=735855

Excellent information for anyone with asthma. I hope it is helpful to you.
 
Well, it will help with an attack but it won't keep attacks from happening. That's what the daily med is for. And it's unusual for a doctor to dx you with asthma and not put you on a preventer. I'd at least ask why he did that.
 
Thanks, I like this approach. I will keep this in mind and not be afraid to use it when necessary.
 
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