At a loss . . .

For approximately a year, I've been noticing an increased difficulty in breathing. When I'm at rest, I sometimes (not always) notice a low-grade "pressure" and can't seem to draw a full breath (it feels almost like a rubber band is wrapped around my lungs); and when I exercise, it's far worse. I've been a runner most of my adult life (I'm a 37-yo female), and now I can't climb a small hill or increase my pace without having to gasp for breath. I ran a 5K race two days ago and it still feels like I seared my lungs. I've also experienced an intermittent, but persistent, dry cough that I could never find a reason for. I don't have the cough right now, but in the past it's lasted for several weeks at a time. Once, after a run, I experienced a bout of coughing that caused my running partner to think I was about to vomit.

I mentioned this to my doctor last summer (the symptoms were less severe then), and she ordered a chest X-ray that turned out "normal" - so in her opinion, there's nothing wrong. I know there's something wrong - this is not normal for me - but don't know how to proceed. Could this be some form of asthma? (I've never had allergies or asthma in my life). Is there something more serious going on? I've always been in excellent health, though I was recently diagnosed with an inflammatory/auto-immune disease of my scalp (lichen planopilaris) and am wondering if they might be related?

I get especially frustrated when I try to explain this to others (my physician included) and their response is, "Oh, that happens to me all the time" or "You're probably just getting over a virus."

I appreciate any advice/insight you may have!

[National Jewish Health]

Your shortness of breath is quite believable and sounds serious.  Serious, when a lifetime runner "can’t climb a small hill."  There are 3 lung conditions that come to mind, for an otherwise seemingly healthy young woman:  
• asthma;
• recurrent clots to the lungs, called pulmonary emboli; or
• one of a number of non-asthmatic diseases of the airways.
Now, your problem could equally be some type of cardiovascular disease, such as a cardiomyopathy, heart valvular disease or pulmonary hypertension.

You should see a pulmonary specialist and do so quickly.  You will need a careful exam of your heart and lungs, a chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests (FPTs) for starters and then, probably, a CT scan of your lungs to look for pulmonary emboli.

Please give us a follow-up to let us know how you are doing.

[sinusrot]

... didnt know i had asthma until about a year after a bout with pneumonia, come to find out, i probably got pneumonia because i didnt know i was asthmatic. if you've never had pneumonia, youve never been sick, and youve never taken so long to get over being sick, i promise. i say this to say, that you better be careful! my general prac. said i had asthma.. i asked him, "how do you know?" he then exhaled as i heard him wheeze as he did. i always thought the asthma = cant get enough breath (which is true, and i had experienced that--just didnt put the pieces together at the time), but you really notice trying to exhale (at least in my case)... its like trying to push a lot of air really fast out of a hole the size a pea, for instance...im not an expert but i am under the impression that there is more than one kind of asthma. if i think of something that grosses me out, there is an almost immediate constriction... but i also react to air borne allergens as well ...im sure a professional will help you soon, but PLEASE dont deny that it is probably asthma... i didnt realize that people can die of it if not taken seriously (and not to scare but... take it serious) coughing goes right along with it... if i had only known this i would have most likely avoided pneumonia (ive never been the same since i had it) ...also, in my case, i never used and inhaler until late 30's, so dont think it couldnt be "adult-onset" asthma.

until He heels us, wishing you God's best...

[JDSalamander]

Thank you so much - for the advice and validation.

I've contacted a pulmonologist, who agrees I need to be evaluated. I'm now waiting to hear about an appointment; I'm not sure how long that process will take, but I will certainly keep you posted once I have some news.

I really appreciate your help!