Is this really asthma?

[EMG95]

I've had asthma for almost all of my life (I'm 16 years old now), but in the last few years it's gotten very bad, to the point where I won't have to do anything and I'll start having an asthma attack. And I've been to the doctor a lot of times, and every single time she just gives me the SAME inhaler - the thing is though it doesn't work! I can use it a bunch of times and it won't help my breathing, it just makes me shake. I've told my doctor this but she just seemed to pass it off. It's very aggravating!
Anyway I want to know if this is actually asthma or is it something else? My symptoms are:

Shortness of breath (I don't even have to really do anything - I'll just all of a sudden won't be able to breath deeply)
Wheezing
Tingling in my cheeks and the outer sides of my hands
Tight chest
Sick feeling in my stomach
Occasional coughing

These only get worse when I lie down too, and sometimes I even wake up because I cannot breathe. And, as I said, my inhaler doesn't work. This happens year round, so I know it's not just a seasonal thing. Please help!

[bsmsl]

Here is a link that explains the use of most inhalers.  I hope it helps.

http://allergies.about.com/od/howtouseasthmainhalers/How_To_Use_Asthma_Inhalers.htm

God bless.

[bsmsl]

Oh, another thought is that you may not be using the inhaler correctly.  If it is used incorrectly, the medication either lands on the tongue or in the back of the throat.  Then only a small percentage (20% or so) actually makes it to the lungs where it can do its job.  

I will try to find a link that demonstrates the proper use of an inhaler.  

God bless.

[bsmsl]

Hello and welcome to the community.

I have several thoughts.

First, get a new doctor.  A doctor who doesn't listen to their patients is dangerous.  It may be time for a specialist too.  Either an allergist or a pulmonologist.  I personally prefer and allergist as they can treat any allergy related triggers better.  Indoor allergens are year round, and there are outdoor allergens all year as well.  

Second, what inhaler has she been giving you?  There are lots of possibilities, and it would help to know exactly what you are trying.  I need the name of the medication to know if it is an apropriate medication (maintenance or rescue) and what other options you have.

Also, sometimes meds need to be played with.  I frequently remind people that doctors practice the "Art of Medicine."  Frequently they have to go by intuition and gut feeling.  It isn't as exact a science as we patients want to think it is.  

Your doctor isn't trying different things with you to see what works for you, that is another reason why they need to be fired.  Yeah, I said fired.  As patients we hire our doctors to help us take care of our health.  If they aren't listening and doing their job, then they get fired - you find another doctor.  

Third, and this only applies if "second" is not dealt with and I always hate to bring this up, but sometimes it has to be considered.  Is it possible that you are having anxiety or panic attacks?  I always think that is rude to ask.  I would be very upset with my doctor if he asked me that, but the truth is that sometimes anxiety and panic present with the exact same symptoms as asthma.  It can be very hard to tell them apart.  Since your inhaler isn't helping (providing it is an apropriate one), this is some thing to consider.  Also, an asthma attack can turn into a combined asthma and panic attack, especially if your inhaler isn't working.  So try to stay calm.  It will help if this is part of the problem.

Please keep us posted.  I would really like to help you if I can.

Take care and God bless.