Understanding Asthma
I had open heart surgery about 18 months ago. They replaced part of my aorta and my aortic valve. Everything went according to plan with no issues. Now (18 months later) I have chest tightness every so often. I've seen my cardiologist numerous times and had tests done and everything related to my heart is fine (perfect as the cardiologist says). I was directed to a pulmonologist who did breathing tests, etc. and determined I'm having episodes of asthma. I had small asthma attacks as a kid (from seasonal allergy issues). They were always itchy throat and wheezing. They didn't last very long and eventually it all went away as I got older. So now I'm 60 and having what I was told are asthma episodes. But no wheezing or scratchy throat. Just lots of chest tightness where I have to raise my arms up to get a deep breath (feels like I ate too much and can't take that satisfying deep breath). And there is not rhyme or reason when they will occur. So my question: is this asthma? I've just never experienced anything like this and of course my mind always goes back to my heart repair. I trust my doctors but can't get past the fact that this started after my heart surgery. Thanks, Jeff
Hi.
I see you are new to our community, having just joined up a few days ago. Welcome to our asthma community. You have come to the right place, as we are all about everything asthma. Thank you for sharing your personal experience with us and for your question -- which is a good one. Just so you know, we cannot offer medical advice, and we cannot diagnose you over the Internet, as you probably know. But I do have a response for you that I hope you will find helpful. First off, I want to say that I am Sorry that you had to experience both asthma and your heart issues. Although glad to hear that your doctor says your heart is doing well. It sounds like it was a good thing that your doctor referred you to a pulmonologist, as they are (after all) the lung experts. Most pulmonologist have patients do breathing tests almost right away. These tests are generally referred to as a PFT (https://asthma.net/living/pulmonary-function-testing-to-diagnose-asthma). As you can see by the article, they can almost definitively determine if you have asthma or not. So, chances are, if your pulmonologist suggests that you have asthma, that it is probably true. Now, why do your asthma episodes feel different now compared to when you were a child? Well, I can tell you from my own asthma experience (with both childhood and adulthood asthma) that how it feels can change over time. The neat thing about getting your asthma diagnosis is -- with all the great asthma medications on the market -- most asthmatics can obtain good control. And good control means you should not experience asthma symptoms on most days. Did the pulmonologist recommend any treatment for you? Did he or she prescribe any asthma inhalers? Just curious. John. community moderator. Hi John- Thanks for your response. My pulmonologist prescribed both Albuterol and Advair. She said to use as needed so that has left me a bit confused. I'm trying to get her to clarify when I should use each. My understanding is Advair is basically Albuterol but with an added steroid. I live in Texas (Dallas area) and lately everyday is an "Orange Pollution Watch Day". I try to walk 2-3 miles every day and but wonder if walking on these types of days should be avoided.
Hi Jeff! Glad you found us. It's understandable that you would be concerned and a little confused about your symptoms -- asthma can be different from person to person, and can change throughout one's life. "As needed" simply means to use the inhalers whenever you believe it could be helpful, based on how you're feeling at the time. This would typically refer to the albuterol, which is a short-acting rescue inhaler that's meant for sudden symptoms. So, if you start to feel that chest tightness again, try the albuterol and see how you feel afterward. Did the prescription specify a certain number of puffs?
As for the Advair, I'm not a doctor or medical expert, but it is typically used daily as a preventative, so I'm also curious about what your doctor meant by "as needed" in that situation.
Here are our info pages about those two inhalers, just for your reference:
https://asthma.net/treatment/albuterol
https://asthma.net/treatment/advair
You did the right thing by reaching out to your doctor's office for clarification. Definitely keep us posted on what you hear, I'm sure they'll get it sorted.
As for your walks, it's generally a good idea to avoid possible asthma triggers like poor air quality whenever possible. Some people use weather or air quality apps to track these things, but that's not strictly necessary.
Take it one day at a time! We're here to support you. Hopefully we can help answer some questions along the way. -Melissa, team member
