Asthma not asthma

[MimpiDreams]

A few months ago I developed a horrendous cough. I couldn't catch my breath because every time I breathed in I'd have a coughing fit. If I kept my breathing shallow I didn't cough.

My GP said it was asthma and prescribed meds and did a referral for a spirometry test. After a few weeks of meds I felt it was under control and I didn't need the reliver one at all

Had the spirometry test last week which came back normal. GP said this means I don't have asthma and so withdrew my meds.

Now I'm back to coughing all the time and having to concentrate on breathing. I want to cry. Surely the meds wouldn't have worked if it was something else. And wouldn't the test be normal if it wad under control anyway?

GP now thinks it's sleep apnea despite DH saying I don't snore and never noticing anything. Is this possible? I'm afraid past issues mean I don't have a lot of trust in my GP.

Sorry that was a bit wrong. The GP who said not asthma is different to the one who said it was.

I'd go back to the GP. Say that you're now back to square, see what they say. Diarise any situations where this is worse.

Alternatively you could try something naturally anti inflammatory as I expect that's how the meds worked. Supplements such as turmeric extract may help or/and a rock salt lamp. Plus look at your diet to cut down on foods that cause inflammation.

Square one, that should say.

It's possible you could have an allergy to something (dust/pet hair/something in the environment) that's inflaming your airways and making you cough. Spirometry tests will detect asthma even if it's under control as an asthmatics results will be lower than a non asthmatic. Spirometry measures how much you can inhale and exhale and how fast you can empty your lungs of air. Asthmatics have trouble with all of these.

I suppose I'm frustrated that medicine that was working has been taken away and I can already feel myself going backwards. Fair enough stop it if is isn't working or if a new diagnosis means I need something else. But I don't want to be left to suffer until they find the actual cause. I've been so ill for so long :(

No,you definitely shouldn't be left to suffer. Go back to your gp and explain what's going on. You can't go on not being able to breathe correctly!

Your GP is wrong.

I had a normal spirometry, but I do have asthma which was diagnosed after recurrent chest infections and a fluctuating peak flow (low in mornings - better as day went on). Like you, mine is very well controlled with a daily steroid inhaler (can't remember the last time I needed the blue ventolin one). I'd see another GP!

I'm trying to get another appointment. Waiting for a call back.

I couldn't stop crying last night as I was coughing so badly. I'd finally got it under control and now that's been taken away. If I can't have inhaled steroids, fine, give me something else. Don't leave me in unnecessary discomfort for however long the referral to the sleep clinic takes.