worried about these symptoms

[Jewel529]

I am 48, and have had chronic cough nasal congestion, clearing of throat (that makes me hoarse) off and on for about 2 yrs now. My doctor at first said it was allergies, now she suspects asthma. I have had a sinus CT and a chest xray, both were normal. She now wants me to have the methacholine challenge test. I think it is bizarre that I would have asthma. How common is it to develop asthma as an adult? I do admit I am very, very sensitive to many smells, chemicals, etc. I have an immediate reaction such as scratchy throat, coughing, etc. I also got an inside dog in Jan 05 and I was wondering if this could be contributing to the problem. Sometimes I also have chest pain that seems to be coming from my right lung. My doc does not want to do a repeat xray or chest CT and I am nervous all of these symptoms are caused by a lung problem.What do you think?

[National Jewish]

It is common to have asthma begin as an adult.  This happens in about one-third of adults with asthma.  The symptoms you have described could be asthma, but are certainly not typical of asthma.  A pulmonary function test before and after an inhaled bronchodilator would also provide a lot of information regarding the possibility of this being asthma.

As far as the dog, this is only possible if you are allergic and have your symptoms because of this allergy.  This is an easy test to perform by a board certified allergist.

[anglereva]

Scratchy throat and coughing are allergy symptoms. You might want to test to see if you are allergic to dogs. I have a maltese dog which is non allergic because I have allergies and asthma. Allergies can cause you to have asthma. The asthma inhalers will open up your airways and help with the chest pains.You may want to try to see and allergist who treats asthma also.Good Luck

[Babs1176]

Gee your symptoms sound a lot like mine. Although I am not at the end of the diagnosis/treatment road yet - just wanted to share that when I had the methocholine challenge - I tested very very sensitive! I was shocked! Up until that point everyone listened to my lungs and said *well your lungs sound great* and my PFT was normal too. I actually cried when the resp therapist told me I really did have asthma - because I was really feeling like maybe it was all *in my head* - so when she told me no I wasn't crazy it was a relief.

I don't smoke - am not obese - get good excersize - my diet is awesome(well most days) I am also close to your age....a few years older.I have no risk factors that I can figure out - other than my Mom died of COPD....and I grew up in a 2 smoker household.

I too have had some strange chest discomforts with the SOB ...as well as unusual breathing patterns. Once my pulmonologist started me on the inhaled steroids the actual chest pain went away.  I still get some discomfort - but he tells me that chances are I had this asthma a while and didn't even know it - so it may take a while to totally get rid of the symptoms. I've only been on the inhaler for about 5 1/2 weeks now - thats why I say I'm not at the final diagnosis/treatment yet.

So if you are insured and can easily get the bronchoprov my advice is to do it....at least that way you will know for sure - if it is asthma you can begin treatment - if not you can explore other avenues.

GOOD LUCK!