Is this Asthma?

[Jean27]

I am so confused.I am 31, 138lbs, never smoked.  I have been feeling a little short of breath and went for a chest xray which was fine but when the DR gave me a pulmonary function test and he said that someone my age  should do 100% on the test and I did 65%. Based on this test he said I have asthma. The only symptom I have is being a little short of breath esp. if it is hot or humid out, or when I walk up stairs but I was just thinking I am out of shape because I never exercise. Does anyone know if not doing good on that test definately means asthma or can other things effect the test such as anxiety or being out of shape.   I had anxiety attacks 3 years ago and since then I feel like I don't breath correct like I am a shallow breather when I am nervous and I was nervous at the Dr's office could that make you not have good lung function? Also is 65% really bad asthma?? He suggested singulair but I don't know if I really need to go on pills. Also the chest Xray showed a curve in my spine can that effect breathing? Thanks so much I look foward to your respone....Jean :)

[National Jewish]

There are so many reasons for you to do 65% on a breathing test.  You have mentioned many of them.  To do your best on a pulmonary function test it is important to be well coached.  The best way to make the diagnosis of asthma is to take the pulmonary function test before and after a bronchodilator treatment to see if your lung function improves.  The only way to make the diagnosis is to do this reversibility test to know that the bronchodilator has reversed the airway tightness.  You do need to know if this test is true and your airways are, indeed, functioning at 65% of what they should be.  That is very important to do.  Once you have this answer, you can know what are the next steps.

[starion]

Generally, 80-120% of predicted is considered "normal" in a pulmonary function test, so 65% is a bit lower than normal.  Infections and other factors MAY cause us to have lower numbers on the test than we would otherwise.  It may be useful to have another test in a few months, to see whether the results are still 65% of predicted or higher.
I'm not sure why you're reluctant to try medication to see if it helps you breathe better.  There are many asthmatics who live very full and active lives.  In general, it's MUCH better to properly and adequately treat asthma and allow folks to lead full and active lives so they don't have shortness of breath with activity.
Staroin

[Concerned lady]

If your local doctors can't figure out for sure what you have, I urge you to consider being seen at Nat'l Jewish Medical & Research Center, in Denver, CO. They have respiratory experts, at Nat'l Jewish, who can help to quickly diagnose you.

You can all the LUNG LINE nurses, at 1-800-222-LUNG(5864) weekdays, between 8 am & 4:30 pm, Colorado time, to talk with a LUNG LINE nurse, about your symptoms, and to see about possibly making an appointment to be seen at Nat'l Jewish.

I suggest this, because my husband and I have had excellent results, by being seen at Nat'l Jewish!

Good luck to you.

Sincerely, Concerned lady

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