AskDocDoc
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Lung & Breathing Conditions
Question #17824
2 days ago
11

information about asthma - #17824

Om

I am really confused and a bit worried about some stuff with my breathing lately and think I need more information about asthma. Last week, I was out with my friends and suddenly started having this tightness in my chest that felt really weird. They said it might be an asthma attack but I don’t even know if I have asthma! I’ve never been diagnosed, but I do remember wheezing a lot when I was a kid. Since then, it’s kinda just been something that faded away, I thought. But now I keep getting short of breath, especially when doing exercise or some simple stuff like carrying groceries. I also noticed some coughing at night, which is super annoying. Did a quick search, and now there’s even more information about asthma out there than I thought. I really don’t know what to make of it! Should I see a doctor for tests, or would they even test for asthma? Are there specific things I should mention to them? I just want to feel normal again and not constantly wonder if something serious is happening. Is there any reliable info about asthma that can help me know what to do next? Please help!

FREE
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

Asthma could certainly be playing a role in your symptoms, given your history of wheezing as a child and the recent episodes you’ve been experiencing. It’s known for causing symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning. These symptoms can vary over time, making asthma somewhat unpredictable. In adults, symptoms like these can sometimes be attributed to other conditions, so accurate diagnosis is key. Yes, it’s definitely worth seeing your doctor for a thorough evaluation. They can perform tests like spirometry, which measures how much air you can exhale after a deep breath and how quickly you can get all of it out, or other breathing tests to confirm if asthma is present. When you visit your doctor, mention all the symptoms you’ve been noticing, including the frequency and situations in which they occur, like while exercising or at night. Also, discuss your childhood history of wheezing, as this could be relevant. It’s also helpful to talk about things that might trigger your symptoms, such as allergens, smoke, weather changes, or stress. Management of asthma typically involves avoiding known triggers and using medications like inhalers to control and prevent symptoms. Untreated asthma can lead to worsening symptoms, so addressing it with your healthcare provider can help improve your quality of life. Until then, try to avoid known triggers if possible and keep a record of your symptoms to share at your appointment. If you experience severe symptoms like extreme difficulty breathing, seeek immediate medical attention as this could be an emergency.

7768 answered questions
78% best answers

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions