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Asthma/could this be asthma
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Question
Since I was a child I can remember waking up and throughout the day have a hard time breathing. I thought that I had grown out of it because for about three years I had no symptoms but I also did not do much either to provoke an attack then for about a year I have to use an inhaler every time I wake up because the coughing has gotten so bad and the tightness. I have never been diagnosed with asthma could this be what is causing my breathing problems?
Hi Misty,
It most certainly presents like asthma. Has your family, or you ever discussed with this your physician? If yes, did the doctor do any lung function testing on you, like spirometry? Were you ever referred to an allergist or pulmonologist? If the last questions were all NO, I'd get you to an allergist to be properly evaluated. Your breathing pattern is not normal, and properly addressed by the physician. If the health care provider ignores your symptoms, you yourself should seek the help of a specialist.
Let me know how it works out. If you are diagnosed, I can guide you to some excellent web sites to learn how to take control.
Sincerely,
Marc
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank You so much for your very professional response and I really apreciate your concern in this matter as it is affecting my daily life. I will surely check with my regular physcian to see if these tests are possible with my insurance and if not i will have her give me a referral. Thank you again and I will return with any more questions I may have. A | ||
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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
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