Asthma

[Asthma927]

I'm in my early 50s and since last September have been out of breath when doing any activity. When I do something like put away the shopping, put out the bins or climb the stairs, I'm gasping for breath and have to lie down.

I saw my Dr in December and she listened to my heart and lungs and took my blood pressure. She also did some blood tests. Nothing really came back and my Dr didn't call to arrange a follow up.

Does this sound like Asthma?

It could be, do you have a cough? But it sounds like anaemia to me.

There are many reasons for breathlessness, I had it myself but not as bad as you describe. I had a chest x ray (clear), blood tests to check Vit D, thyroid, haemoglobin and ferritin and a few others too. All OK except the iron levels which were very low.

I had palpitations which doc said were coming from the anaemia. I had an iron infusion and cardiac monitoring. Turned out I had cardiac arrythmia aswell! (Atrial Fibrillation) which was causing the breathlessness together with the anaemia. I am fine again now following the iron infusion, a daily maintenance dose of iron tablets, and treatment for the Atrial Fibrillation.

I think I'd go back to GP and ask for further tests especially for low ferritin (iron stores). The NHS guidelines for ferritin levels are very low, check what yours is and ask for treatment for it if it's very low but still within the range. Best of luck.

@vandelle Thanks, I'm glad you're feeling better. My blood tests didn't show abnormal ferritin, it was 50. I'm not having heart problems either.

I have an occasional dry cough but it doesn't happen every time I'm breathless.

Ok, well then it very well might be asthma or some other lung related issue like fibrosis. Definitely follow this up again with GP and maybe ask for lung function test/ chest x ray for a start.

It's strange to read your post, as my DH just recently, well since Christmas became increasingly breathless and had a dreadful dry cough. Initially treated for chest infection, then had chest x ray, and lung function test, and he has been diagnosed with asthma! Is on preventive inhaler now and is feeling much better. He is late 60s and never had a lung issue in his life!

@vandelle I'm glad your husband is feeling better. I read that asthma can start at any age but it doesn't run in my family and I also don't have lung problems.

I'm planning on doing an econsult on Monday.