Always Out of Breath

By cathie

1 min read

I am pretty sure I had asthma from childhood. I was very active outdoors but when the President Fitness Program started in the 60's, I started failing PE as I couldn't even finish 1/2 of the 600-yard run that was required to pass. My family rarely went to a doctor, so I just suffered through.

In my teens, I moved to Santa Fe NM...cold and high, 7000-foot elevation, and had trouble breathing most of the time with any exertion. Shortly after that I went skiing for the first and only time and almost blacked out from lack of oxygen. When I saw a doctor in my 20's they said I did not have asthma because I did not wheeze...only coughed. This was before cough variant asthma was widely diagnosed. They sent me to an asthma specialist and I finally got my diagnosis.

I have also been diagnosed with COPD...but not really sure if that was because my asthma doesn't present like other "normal" asthma. I have found almost all my triggers and went from 5 medications in the 80's to only albuterol and an epi-pen. Unfortunately, in the past, I have had very little help from the medical community and have had to do most of the detective work on my own. I now have a great PCP that listens to me and doesn't overdose with me with meds that usually just makes my asthma worse.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Asthma.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Ashlen Wilder Moderator
Hey there <inline-mention user-id="3017064" username="cathie"/> , I really enjoyed reading through your story. What I have found from other community members who grew up around the 60's is that asthma was not accurately diagnosed or less frequently diagnosed than it is today. Thank goodness for advances in medicine! That is wonderful to hear that you have a PCP that you resonate with, and you have a management plan that helps you. 😀 -Ashlen, <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>Asthma.net</a> community moderator
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention user-id="3017064" username="cathie"/> , and thanks for sharing your story. I see my colleague, Ashlen, has already responded to you, and I echo all that she has said. I am curious, though - you said you've also been diagnosed with COPD. This is not uncommon as some folks with asthma also have COPD. Since you've shared that you are using the one medication (Albuterol), and have an EpiPen, it would seem like your condition is under control and the EpiPen is there for significant emergencies. My curiosity is about the diagnosis of COPD. From your story, it does not sound like you are being treated for COPD. What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
cathie Member
I never had a regular doctor or PCP due to lack of insurance. I usually went to clinics and such only when I needed a refill for my medications. One doctor that I had seen decided that my symptoms presented better as COPD since I always have had a chronic cough so he gave me that diagnosis. I have since found most of my triggers and have been able to control any attacks with just albuterol. Since affordable insurance became available I was able to find and build a relationship with a PCP who understands my sensitivity to most medications. I have developed a severe, immediate reaction to diesel smoke that gets worse every time I encounter it. So my doctor prescribed an epi pen as she was concerned the albuterol may not be enough to get me breathing again the next time it occurred. I am unable to have complete control of the diesel trigger as I live in a rural area and need to use the freeway to go into town.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi again, <inline-mention user-id="3017064" username="cathie"/> , and thanks for your reply and explanation. We appreciate your candor with the community. It sounds like you have developed a good rapport with this physician and, together, you have brought the condition into much more control for yourself. Keep up the good work!! If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator know. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)