Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Asthma symptoms

So I'm mid 30s and was told I had asthma a couple months ago. The doctor made this diagnosis by doing a spirometry test. After months of having shortness of breath I finally went to a doctor because it got worse. So bad that I couldn't even talk or chew without feeling breathless. I was first given albuterol inhaler and that seemed to help a little but this shortness of breath was still there. Now was given advair to take everyday, I just started taking that and can breathe better. The shortness of breath is still there but I do feel it has improved some. I do not have the common symtoms of asthma, no cough or weezing. Just shortness of breath, anyone else have this experience? I've never had asthma in the past and other test done are all clear. Oh and when I am feeling very short of breath my oxygen levels are normal, how is that? It's very uncomfortable and confining being sob I'd rather be in pain

  1. Hi , and welcome! I see you are a new member here, having joined today, earlier in the afternoon. We are glad to see you already engaging with the community through this your first post. I am hopeful others in the community will see you concerns and respond by sharing their own anecdotal experiences managing this disease (asthma).
    You have certainly come to the right place! We are a community that is all about all things asthma and asthma related.
    As for your concern about oxygenating well, even while short of breath, you may be aware that oxygenation is generally not an issue for folks with an asthma diagnosis. I thought you might gain some additional insight from this article (by our own John Bottrell), on this very subject: https://asthma.net/clinical/oxygen-levels. I do hope you find it to be helpful in a practical way.
    Wishing you well,
    Leon (site moderator asthma.net)

    1. , I am sorry to hear about your problems. Some time ago, My friend also had the same issues. She experienced mild asthma attacks. So she consulted with the doctor from Ongo Care Telehealth. The doctor examined her issues and prescribed some medication and an inhaler. Now she is using Albuterol which provides relief from an asthma attack by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways. So it all depends on the condition that is causing the shortness of breath. Also, your doctor can give you a better note on whether this is normal or asthma symptoms. You already said you are feeling short of breath with a good Oxygen level, It may be due to stress and anxiety caused by the attack. Because oxygen is quickly and constantly rapidly resupplied inside the alveoli. This can help maintain oxygen levels during mild and moderate asthma attacks.

      Please read our rules before posting.