Shortness of Breath
I have bad allergies. It started many years ago. Until I helped my husband's friend 2 years ago to move out of his place, which was horrible, terrible, and dirty. I was not diagnosed with asthma but I knew I had it. The place was a disaster, in short, very very untidy and full of dust. From then, I started to have shortness of breath and use more of my puffer. Frequently, I've noticed that I am becoming more anxious about my breathing problem. The doctor gave 2 puffers: one is Ventolin and the other is Flovent. I followed my doctor's advice until I decided to stop taking the Flovent and use more of the Ventolin. Today I was rushed to the ER with a breathing problem. Diagnosis: I "finally" have asthma. Now I have to be very careful. Thanks to the team members of the SMH ER Department.
Hi CM273a8, and thanks for sharing this with the community. We appreciate that you feel you have had asthma all along, but it was this episode (following the help you provided to your husband's friend, moving), that finally prompted an emergency department (ED) visit. It was in the ED, that you finally received a 'formal' diagnosis of asthma.
Based on what you've said, it sounds as though the inhalers (Ventolin and Flovent), maintained good control for you. It seemed that once you stopped the Flovent, the asthma symptoms increased resulting in the ED visit.
What did the ED staff do for you once the diagnosis was made? Is there anything further you are able to share with the community at this time?
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
Hi there. I'm sorry you've had to go through this and ultimately have a diagnosis of asthma. I do feel hopeful that since you have a diagnosis, it will help you to get the care you need quicker and easier without unnecessary testing etc. So that is useful. If you feel comfortable sharing, I'm curious to know why you decided to stop taking the Flovent and use Ventolin more. Were you having trouble with side effects on Flovent? How are you feeling now?
You have all of our support as you figure out what's next. Ask as many questions as you want. -Melissa, asthma.net team
