Shortness of Breath

[Norm123]

I am a 53 year old female with a life long history of asthma. About 6 months ago I started having severe shortness of breath, but no wheezing and chest pain that was unlike any of my asthma symtoms. I was hospitalized twice and the diagnosis was asthma but I insisted that this was not like the asthma I have experience for at least 50 years of my life. Inital CT scan was normal, Echocardiogram showed mild tricuspid insufficiency with pulmonary artery systolic presure of 30 mmhg, PFT showed TLC 50 restrictive abnormality: Severe, HRCT minimal area of fibrosis in posterior lower lobe, increased interstitial density at the posterier left lower lobe, hemangiomas in the spine and calcifications in the right kidney,  Heart Cath done after stress test (probably false postitive) showed mild cardiac bridge. I was prescribed Oxygen which I use at night, when I go out and when I'm really short of breath at home. I have no idea what is going on with my lungs but I do know that this is not ASTHMA as I know it. Could this be Pulmonary Fibrosis or is this asthma, are there any more test that could be done to try to get a true diagnosis. I have seen my primary doctor, my pulmonologist and a heart doctor is there someone else I should see. I have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and asthma. My meds are 20mg prednisone (about 20 years worth), metformin, vytorin, lasix, potassium, advair, duoneb, asthmanex, spiriva and flovent but I still have troble breathing should I seek another opinion.

[Elfriede]

I am 65 and have had SEVERE s.o.b. three to four times a year going up stairs for about 6 years to the point of fainting. I have known COPD, quit smoking about 10 years ago. PFT's showed reduced lung capacity, no other abnormalities.  No matter what inhalant, pills, etc I was put on, nothing helped. Finally, I ran into someone with the exact same symptoms. This lady is being treated successfully for allergies. I convinced my pulmonologist to refer me and voila, I have been receiving allergy treatments for 11 months now and have not had a severe recurrence. I still get shortness going up 15+ stairs but that is due to my COPD and something I can tolerate.
Best to you.

[National Jewish]

This is obviously a very complicated and difficult problem to both diagnose and manage.  I would suggest seeking the advice from a large medical center that may be in your area or considering a visit to National Jewish in Denver.  These centers have large multidisciplinary teams and diagnostic capabilities that can evaluate these types of problems.