You are here:

Asthma/Do I have Asthma?

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/9/2008


Question
I have had asthma when I was younger and used a inhaler. Now I don't use inhaler or medications anymore since when I took them I didn't really see a difference, did I really have Asthma or is it something else? I was wondering how you can find out if you still have Asthma? or is it non-curable. I get pains on my side and it hurts to breath when I do exercising(running, sports,) and after that happens I would be laying down for a long time and be exhausted after that. Would I have EIA?( exercise induced asthma)

Answer
Hi Clarissa,

You may still have asthma, but where your predominant trigger is asthma and outdoor pollens. A consideration would be that as an infant (were you a premature birth?)you had a RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)infection, which presents with asthma-like symptoms, and usually resolves by the age of 5. The lungs may still remain sensitive, which could be what your situation is.

Almost all patients with EIA generally do have allergic asthma, but to fewer allergens. It would be advisable to have yourself evaluated by an allergist to clarify the issue. Fortunately, you should be relatively easy to keep in control, and be able to participate fully in sports. About 15% of Olympic athletes have asthma, so you would just need to take the proper precautions in your approach to training.

Sincerely,

Marc

Asthma

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator

Expertise

I have worked directly with patients as well as caregivers for over 30 years. Have made presentations throughout Illinois educating school nurses as well as the teaching and coaching staff of public schools about asthma, and how they should respond to these students needs. Presented a public education program on asthma through the US Department of Public Health. Specialize in helping guide asthmatic patients to take control of their disease in order to live a near-normal, fully active life.

Experience

Practicing pharmacist for 34 years, specializing in asthma for past 7 years. Statewide education to nurses, teachers and athletic coaches regarding asthma. In addition, and closer to home. my wife and daughter both have asthma, and my son has exercise induced bronchospasm. I'm also on the advisory board of a medical education company, Emmi Solutions, and directly involved in the creation of public education programs for asthma, COPD and diabetes.

Organizations
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) / Sports Medicine Committee, American Thoracic Society (ATS). Chicago Asthma Consortium / Professional Development Committee, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago: Development Committee for AE-C prep class, and presenter.

Publications
AAAAI PowerPoint on the new guidelines for EIB (Exercise Induced Bronchospasm)

Education/Credentials
BScPharm, RPh, AE-C (NAECB Certified asthma educator), NIPCO Certified Respiratory Care Pharmacist

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.