Help Please !! Can't breathe

[AJWS6]

Hi,
I am desperately seeking help.  I am a 44 year old male, with no medical history till last year.  My story is a very long one.  My trouble began a year ago, when I quit smoking menthols after 30 years 2 packs a day Feb 06, because I had difficulty breathing.  I started again in April 07, thought if I quit, I would breathe better, but stress/anxiety cause me to smoke again.  I complained of shortness of breath & chest pains/tightness,.  

I had a stress test done, passed.  I had an ultrasound of my heart, passed, I had a cath done on my heart, passed.  Cardiologist said I had a very strong heart.  I had a Upper GI test, passed.  I passed every test in the medical field.    

But prior to testing I was given meds for acid reflux, anxiety disorder, bronchitis, upper respriatory infection, ear infection, and the list goes on, but no medication ever helped.  Reason I pushed for testing.    

I was frustrated and persistent with my doctor.  Finally I had a PFT done in April 07, with a pulmonology clinic, pulm doctor said my breathing flow was outstanding, same as a non-smoker.  I wasn't convinced, still had difficulty breathing, he told me I was breathing 97% flow.  I was surprised after smoking 30 years.  

But I'm always struggling to breathe.  I was persistent with my doctor, she scheduled me an appointment with an allergist.

Another PFT was done in June 07, I was breathing 94% after breathing treatment 100%,. The allergist said I was developing Asthma from allergies found on my allergy test and prescribed me inhalers for maintenance, Asmanex, Foradil and Albuterol.  Foradil gave me bad heart palps, so I stopped using it.  Haven't had to use the Albuterol.  And using Asmanex daily.  

I had a sinus X-ray done, I was sent a letter which said chronic mucus around sinus area.  I visit my allergist in the future, Aug 28, 07 for his report.    

The trouble I am having is, my chest is always tight, stinging pains both lungs, airway closes up, my throat swells up, my nose swells up, my throat fills with mucus, I clear my throat and constantly spit thick white mucus, sometimes brown.  I cough a few times a day.  My chest always feel tight, as if a rubber band is wrapped around my chest. I struggle to breathe, naturally I start to panic, which makes matters worse.  

My X-rays are always clear.  CT scan of lungs clear.    

I went to a COPD research clinic today to see if I qaulify for research and I don't because I breathe better then 80%,.  

The question I have is, can sinus problems cause the symptoms I described ??
Is there treatment for sinus problems ??  Is Sinus related to Allergies/Asthma ??    
Is there any other test for Emphysema, COPD beside PFT ??  
Can Asthma inhalers help sinus problems, COPD etc.. ??
Why does my throat swell up, fill with mucus, nose completely swells shut ?  

I'm sorry this was so long, but all test results were normal to perfect, but my symptoms tells a different story.  I'm frustrated after a year of diagnoses.  I believe I may be developing a smoking disease, lung cancer or somethin not being found deeper in my system.  I constantly clear mucus from my throat.  All help is greatly appreciated.  
Thank you,
AJ      

[mommy822au]

treat the chronic sinusitus aggressively with steroids, antibiotics, nasal sprays. Hopefully,, this will take care of your mucus, drip and cough.

Have you tried a steroid nasal spray or astelin yet?

Have you been tested for allergens?

Good Luck, not having a diagnosis is so frustrating.

[AJWS6]

Hi,
Thank you for suggestions.  I am using Flunisolide nasal spray 2x daily and saline solution several times a day.  Yes, I have been tested for allergies.  I have 9 chronic allergies.  

[doesntmatter]

I feel your pain, for 6 years ive been dealing with all the aforementioned symptoms as well, and without fail i test healthy on everything from asthma to stress tests. So being something of a veteran of suffering ill pass on a few things that help. Benadryl tends to work the best out of all the allergy medications ive taken, sometimes spicy things will offer short relief as well (like horse radish). Boiling water and breathing it in, gargling salt water, hot liquids in general, and menthol cough drops... If your anything like me its seasonal and given enough time you will get better. its best to not let it get to you and keep busy with one thing or another. being sick for long periods of time is a terrible strain on the body so trying to eat better and the like will help with dealing with the stress. Its unlikely there is a miracle cure (im pissed about that too) so its really a question of degrees. Over time i have taken a battery of antibiotics, steriods, antihistamines and even tranquilizers with no luck. I smoked for a time too and can attest to how damaging a cigarette can be when your health is that fragile. You probably wont be able to brush off smoking to easily after how many years you have been, but cutting done and being more responsible about it helps. hazaah to the crippling power of the human condition :). Next time your in a different climate pay close attention, i know for me when im in desert areas my health problems nearly vanish, but over here on the coast in the middle of WA im constantly sick and pretty desperate for solution. At the very least i have read 10 different threads talking about this exact stuff so your far from being alone.

[teamgilly]

I feel for you buddy. my problem is not exactly like your but (and ill keep it short) I have alot of trouble breathing and every test is normal. My Dr. is sending me to counsleing saying" I cant find anything wrong with you, you may need counsling to learn how to live with this." i am so frustrated cus i have some ideas on how to treat it but he wont prescribe. Anyway good luck. I hope you feel better

[Haze2]

Unlike you I have a lung condition but have made improvements by going chemical free.  As many products as possible from pillows to paint.  Even air fresheners can be toxic. Eat as much organic food as possible and build up your immune system.  Medics are not really into this because it is not scientific enough but you may feel better and it won't harm you.  Smoking is toxic chemicals so don't.  There's loads of products on the web.  All the best.