Is this asthma?

I have had allgergies for most of my life.  I am now 30.  I tend to have the usual itchy, watery eyes, nasal stuffiness, dry mouth, frequent sinusitis and upper respiratory infections.

Last week, I went to the doctor because my chest was feeling tight and heavy, and I had developed a wheeze that was noticable to myself and others.  I had never had this before.  The doctor could hear it with and without stethescope, and decided it was bronchospasms.  She gave me a bronchodilator (Albuterol).  My question is, could this be asthma or just part of the allergy symptomology?  Can asthma develop after having allegies all your life?  I am confused whether this is a one time thing or will be a lifetime occurence.  It has been going on for a week now, and hasn't let up, even with use of the Albuterol.  Any ideas would be appreciated.  

Thanks a bunch,
rhyanen

[National Jewish]

You have asked several different questions.
1. It is possible for someone to develop asthma at any age. This is particularly true when someone has been having other allergic symptoms all their life.
2. Is the problem you are experiencing asthma? This is not clear. It is possible you are having effects from a viral infection, which is causing wheezing and will go away. Sinusitis is a fairly common cause of wheezing. When the sinusitis is cleared the wheezing ceases. It is possible that this is the first symptom of asthma that has a more prolonged course. Asthma is a chronic condition. Therefore, time will tell you a lot about what you are experiencing.
3. Albuterol is a good first choice for wheezing. When it fails to control symptoms, there are several other medications to add to the albuterol. I would suggest speaking with your physician to get on another medication to control the symptoms you are experiencing. The next medication, depending on the level of difficulty someone is experiencing, is usually steroids. These can be given by inhalation or by mouth depending on the degree of problem that is present.