Current situation: 34 yo male, previous mild controlled asthma from childhood, smoked socially since 17, 20/40 a week for last 9/10 years, no exposure to pollutants, have not smoked in last 4 months, currently experiencing breathlessness / feeling of obstruction at rest, on excersize (can excersize well on Ventolin), coughing daily ( somethines deep rooted and harsh), phlegm daily 2 x thimbles clear and frothy Have a rattle at times in chest (after vigirous excersize) which is relieved by cough. Preventers make me worse, (breathe poorly, feel hyper ventilated)) tried Advair, Symbicort, Singulair and Becotide, all work for one week and then I'm tight chested again.
Pulmologist did following tests
Spirometry: All normal Methacoline and EIA less than 10% reduction resolved with ventolin. Minor obstruction noted which was reversed with ventolin. Chest CT: Normal, Blood Tests: Everything fine, oxygen, red bloodcells count etc. ECG: Fine with stress test fine.
I also saw a Rheumothologist and Cardiologist who all gave me a clean bill of health. My Pulmologist tells me there is no area / heading he can put me into / under not even asthmatic.
1. Is there a chance I might have early stage COPD or Emphysema which does not show on PFT or CT
2. Is the fact my symptoms are made worse by inhalers, daily cough and phlegm a sign of early stage COPD or an intolerance to inhalers
3. Is there a case for a broncoscopy
4. Why do different inhalers relieve for one week and then stop
5. Do you think I should go it alone without inhalers
Thanks for your help!