Breathlessness

[Breathless035]

I've been breathless on exertion for nine months. Its not getting any better. I had an x ray at the end of May and was diagnosed with a bacterial chest infection. I had five days of antibiotics and although I feel a bit better, my breathlessness is still here.

I had wheezing and a cough, which have now cleared up. No scarring was found on the x ray. Its making life impossible, washing up, climbing the stairs, going to the loo, makes me gasp for air.

I did peak flow tests which were good. I'm wondering if I have another infection alongside the one I had. Perhaps a sputum test? I 2as meant to speak to my Dr but that didn't happen. I'll do another econsult on Monday.

ETA I've had blood tests which showed an infection. Iron/ferritin? was 55, so low but normal and I've been taking ferritin tablets for a few months.

Get your bloods done. Anemia can make you breathless.

Low iron? This is one of my main symptoms. Easy for GP to check with a blood test

Sorry have edited my post, I've had bloods done.

some have this after a covid infection

Peak flow can only rule asthma in, it can't rule asthma out.

Lots of asthmatics have normal peak flow. Even spirometry has a high false negative rate. Ask your GP if you can try a reliever inhaler - if it works, you've likely got asthma.

Thanks all, I'm seeing my Dr to discuss tomorrow and will mention all this.