Delayed Diagnosis

By loneeagle6

1 min read

I was formally diagnosed in high school, but after asking about symptoms, my doctor figured out that I actually had asthma since childhood but it had been missed by previous doctors. He now suspects that my lungs have learned to function differently due to my long years of playing sports while fighting asthma without the benefit of treatment.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi Loneeagle6, and thanks for sharing your story here. You've had quite the journey!! How are you feeling nowadays? Is the asthma better controlled at this stage of your life? Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
zigb Member
Hi Loneeagle6, I was also diagnosed in High school but obviously had it since childhood from medical history, several bouts of "croup", exempt from PE all elementary school because I would get sick every time, had tonsils removed at age 5, since I didn't wheeze at the doctor it was not caught.
loneeagle6 Member
My asthma is not as well controlled as my doctor would like, but they are reluctant to give to much of a detailed asthma action plan because even when I'm in a prolonged flare and they can hear me wheeze, my peak flows don't drop below the high 80's.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi again, <inline-mention username="Rodiyah" user-id="6759376"/>, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. Your question is a good one! Generally speaking, some folks with an asthma diagnosis, have what is called exercised induced asthma. Should you want to know more about it, this article will provide you with some additional insight: https://asthma.net/types/exercise-induced. For some folks with this specific diagnosis, the approach is sometimes, to pre-medicate prior to engaging in exercise activity. In order for you to actually know how to best treat your own specific level of disease, I would suggest you discuss this aspect of your care and treatment with your own private medical doctor. Your physician knows you best and will be able to guide you through your concerns so that you may be able to play basketball without becoming short winded. What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
2. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 Whatever you choose to do, start gently. Every person's body and asthma is different, so it's important to pay attention to how you're feeling and not push yourself. You may not want to jump into a full game of basketball. Maybe try out going for a jog or just shooting some hoops. Maybe someone at the university health center can also help guide you. But sending a note to your regular doctor is the best thing. I hope it works out for you! -Melissa, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>copd.net</a> team