Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 8/24/2009

Question
Dear Sir

I have problem of breathing some time fast and some time feel tightness in chest, last month i have did x ray, and the doctor said me it is ok, i have also problem of Depression and panic attacks. i have no cough, no wheezing and no mucus in my chest pls guide me

Zafar Iqbal

Answer
Hi Zafar,

The symptoms you have described quite likely related to anxiety and the panic attacks. While a chest x-ray can show lungs changes due to pneumonia, emphysema, cancers, etc., it is of no value for asthma.

I suggest you look into having a lung function test called spirometry done. In this test, you inhale deeply, then blow as hard and fast as you can into a tube hooked up to a computer. This is repeated 3 times to insure proper execution. Then the doctor would have you inhale a medication that relaxes the airways to open them up(under the assumption that there is a problem). Then after waiting 15 minutes, the doctor repeats the spirometry. If there is less than 12% improvement, and under 200ml increase in lung capacity, this would rule out asthma. If the test shows above 12% and 200ml, then you would be considered to have reactive airway disorder. This is generally asthma, but the doctor would do further testing to rule out other issues.

I have a few questions:
1) where do you live, and is it in a city, or out in the country?
2) do you smoke?
3) does your occupation expose you to any sort of fumes, chemical or otherwise?
4) do you have any worsening of your problems around animals?

As I said, I believe it is probably anxiety related, but your answers may help clear this up better.

I sorry for answering so late after your posting. I generally do not check for questions in the answer pool.

Sincerely,

Marc Rubin, RPh, AE-C