Is it Asthma???

[MelBen05]

I am 24 years old and live in North Queensland, Australia.

For the past 3 months, I have been unwell, suffering from all different symptoms.

Initially I had the feeling of something being "stuck" in my throat, which I thought was phlegm.  I had an appointment with my Doctor who diagnosed me with Post Nasal Drip.

After being diagnosed with PND, I tried the following meds:-

1. Nasonex nasal spray;
2. Fess nasal wash (saline solution);
3. Vicks vaporub; and
4. Humidifier.

I tired the above meds for approximately 6-8 weeks with no improvement.  I went back to my Doctor who recommended I have a chest x-ray and ultrasound of my neck/throat.  Needless to say, those tests came back negative.  I went back to my Doctor again who basically said she had no idea what was wrong and referred me to an ENT Specialist (which I have an appointment with on 13/10/09).

After must frustration, I sought a second opinion from another Doctor.  I had further symptoms which included chest tightness, slight difficulty breathing (inhaling NOT exhaling - had the feeling of not being able to breathe in enough oxygen), the muscles in the side of my neck being tight and sore and STILL phlegm (VERY thick and white in colour).  This Doctor diagnosed me with Asthma (either Allergy Asthma or possibly stress-induced Asthma).

I am currently on the following medication for Asthma:-

1. Asmol Inhaler (up to four times a day);
2. Atrovent (up to four times a day); and
3. Seretide (Preventor - twice a day).

I had an "attack" last weekend whereby I couldn't breathe in enough oxygen.  I was taken to the Hospital by Ambulance and the Ambulance Officers carried out tests which showed my lung capacity at 98%???  This makes me wonder whether I am suffering from Asthma, or possibly Anxiety/Panic attacks?  I am unsure of the difference?

I currently have the feeling of something "stuck" in my throat and occasionally feel out of breath.  When these symptoms occur, I also have some chest tightness as well.

If anyone has any tips or ideas about what I possibly could be suffering from, I would really appreciate your advice.  I am not convinced I am suffering from Asthma, but I am running out of other ideas.

Any advice would be most appreciated. =)

[Tammy2009]

If your oxygen saturation was 98% and thus "normal" it is possible there is anixety causing the attack.  

There is also a condition called hyperventilation syndrome which is another possibility.  

I have asthma and when I get stressed and mildly anxious, they sure feel similar.  I have to look at my peak flow meter to decide if I need my ventolin or just need to relax.  

[bill103]

Did you mean that when you exhale there is no wheezing? If there is no problem with that, you can rule out Asthma for sure. Bronchitis is a possibility, but the phlegm is the wrong colour. Your problem is not with your broncials ( lungs ) or a sinus condition. I wouldn't  rule out a possible allergy to something. Do you have a Joey for a pet?  I'm serious, think what has changed in the past 3 months that might cause you to have this problem. It could be a change in location  ( did you move, go on a vacation, etc ) ? Or a change in your diet, like a new food or drink?  Or perhaps you obtained something from China lately ( and you know what that is about ).
So be the the detective, it's not like you had this chronic condition for years.
Good hunting..........bill103

[melbidd]

I have asthma, and when I have an asthma attack I usually do not wheeze.  I wheeze when I do activities and such though ..  But not everyone with asthma wheezes.  When my doctor said I had asthma I thought it was impossible for me to have it since I didn't wheeze during an attack.  She said that sometimes when your lung/airways are too constricted there is no wheezing, but sometime some people just don't wheeze.  

You may had have a small attack that made you anxious and made it worst.  That's what happend with my first attack.  I was so scared that I had a panic attack at the same time, so by the time I went to the clinic, my asthma attack was better (I took ventolin) but I was still having the panic attack.  Now I learned to control my anxiety as it only makes it wayyy worst.  If it happens again, try to relax, sit down or something.  I find it makes me feel better if I am with someone that knows I could have an attack anytime.  My boyfriend knows exactly what to do, and he knows how to calm me down if I get scared, which makes it better for me.

I had the exact same symptoms as you since I was in grade 5.  It took my doctor until I was in grade 11 with my first attack to find out it was asthma.  I'm 17 now.

Hope this helps. :)