Asthma

[sammy snake]

How do you know if you have asthma, what does it feel like? I have looked it up on the internet and seen that 'wheezing' seems to be a common feature, which I don't have.

Every now and then (getting more frequent) I have spells that last anything from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, where I find it difficult to breathe. I have to take loads of really deep breaths before my lungs feel 'full', if you know what I mean. I don't notice it so much if there is something to take my mind off it, like when I'm out with friends or at work.

It started about 10 years ago and I did go to the doctor at that time who told me it was likely to be a panic attack (when I'm at home on my own? I don't think so). Anyway, I didn't get it again for a few years so thought nothing of it.

Now it seems to be happening every few weeks. Everytime I phone the doctor, I can't get an appointment for a least a week unless its serious, which it isn't really. By the time I would have an appointment it has gone!

I've had the same symptoms now for about 3 days and I know it will wear off by the end of the week. I still don't think it is a panic attack, why would I get one of those whilst lying on the settee watching telly?

Anyone got any ideas?

[masma]

I have quite bad asthma and the only way I can describe it is if you can imagine trying to breath through a sponge - as if your throat is closing up. It doesn't go away and the only relief is inhalors. It does sound as though you're suffering from panic attacks - my son gets them and they can strike any place any time. Even in bed in the middle of the night. Try and go to the doc's whether you're having an attack or not, they can put your mind at rest and give you medication if needed

[Ethel]

I have both panic attacks and asthma - yours is definitely panic attacks.

Being home on your own doesn't make any difference. Try breathing deeply into a paper bag. That'll help.

[daffy654]

Not everyone wheezes with asthma,I have had it for 19 years and I rarely wheeze.I have been hospitalised several times for it but each time the doctors didn't seem surprised at the absence of wheezing. You need to see the doctor,even if you are feeling well at the time they should be able to diagnose you by you describing your symptoms.

[bigmamma]

Hello sammy , I am a severe asthmatic and , while you don't sound as though you have an attack going on , I would still say go to get checked out at your gp who can reassure you and let you know if it is asthma or panic attacks. You say you feel the need to take big breaths and fill your lungs but with asthma if you have had it for days I expect you to be finding it hard to get any breath in and hardly any out , as though you have an elephant sitting on your chest while someone is putting something tight round it. All the best :-)

[jno]

if you can't get a GP's appointment (I know the feeling), try the nearest A&E: 'trouble breathing' sounds like an emergency to me, even if you suppose it'll get better. Certainly worth having a doctor have a look at it.

[bigmamma]

Hi sammy , how are you feeling ? Did you manage to get to the gp ok ? If you make sure they understand its a breathing problem you have they will surely fit you in , at least initially with a triage nurse at least . Let us know how you get on . All the best :-)

[sammy snake]

Thanks for all your answers guys,

Last time I tried to make an appointment at the Docs, I was told it would be at least a week before they could get me in, by that time the symptoms had gone!

Obviously they have now come back, otherwise I wouldn't be posting on here. They did say I could have a telephone consultation with a Nurse if I thought it was serious (which I didn't at the time) but I never did.

I'm off on holiday for 2 weeks in a couple of days but will definately make an appointment when I get back, breathing trouble or not!

[Kleiber]

Hi, sammy. Along with all the other good advice given here, do you mind if I ask how old you are & whether you smoke or have a job where you breathe in any pollutants of any kind? The reason I ask is that there is another condition which affects the lungs, called COPD but this usually occurs in older people. It is often mistaken for asthma, but can be diagnosed by a simple breathing test called Spirometry, at your surgery. Having said that, yours sounds more like a mild panic attack, which is easily treated. Have a nice holiday & go & see your Dr when you get back! Kx