Hello,

I'm new to these boards. I am in a situation of near panic, and I need advice badly. Here's the Reader's Digest version of my story:

I am a 43 year old female. I have had asthma since I was 11 years old, but only started being treated with Advair and a rescue inhaler in 2001. For years, the only thing that set off an asthma attack was cats and sometimes lots of dog dander. I have seasonal allergies, but they have not been much problem. I get lots of sinus infections. Two weeks ago, I caught a chest cold. At first I was okay, but then I had to walk outside in 20 degreee cold for a long period in a parking lot, and my chest tightened up and I got very short of breath and I actually staggered back out to my car. I used my rescue inhaler but it didn't help much.

Since that day, I had a chest x-ray that was normal, and my doctor started me on Prednisone 20 mg per day(upped to 60 mg per day for five days by the ER docs this past weekend when the wheezing and shortness of breath got bad on Saturday evening). I have also had my Advair upped to the 500/50 dosage. I am supposed to be starting on a nebulizer this week. I am tight in my chest when I get up in the morning, then I start to cough and wheeze, and by the end of the day, by bedtime, I am short of breath, full of mucus, and wheezing. I am also exhausted by the end of the day, and having to use my rescue inhaler more often than the prescribed every 4 hours.

My question is, does this sound like asthma? Does anyone else have these worsening end-of-the-day symptoms? And should I go to see a pulmonologist, instead of my GP for my symptoms? Please, any input is appreciated. Thank you.

Yes, your symptoms sound like they could be asthma and you should absolutely see a pulmonologist as soon as you can. Viral infections and cold air are both common triggers of asthma symptoms and in some cases the mucus that collects in your lungs can turn into a bacterial infection or even pneumonia (which might be the case in your situation if the symptoms worsen during the day). It's possible that what started as an asthma flare up has turned into something else that needs to be treated.

Thank you for your reply. I talked to my family doctor again this morning, and he just threw up his hands and said there's nothing more he can do for me (big help!) So, I called a pulmonologist and tried to set up an appointment. The office girl said she had to talk to the doctor first, then would call me back to set up an appointment if it was okay with him. Who knew it was so hard to see a specialist when you're sick??

Anyway, thank you for your reassurance.

Well, at least he was honest about not being able to help you! It's about time he admitted it. Some specialists only take referrals, others will take anyone, and sometimes you'll find one who is not taking new patients. I wouldn't get too upset about her having to ask the doc....that can be normal in some cases. Did you get his name from someone who uses him or justout of the phone book?

I got his name out of the phone book and from my insurance company. The receptionist at this pulmonologist's office was incredibly rude-in fact, I have to say that many of the people I've spoken to in doctor's offices lately have not been the kindest people. Anyway, I have the name of another pulmonologist in our town. I'm going to see if he will take me as a new patient. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

I'd try to get a name from a friend...that way you can say "Susie Smith, who referrred me, is a friend and LOVES Dr Jones!" You get a lot further that way....but oyu really do need to see a pulmonologist.

I finally got an appointment with a pulmonologist at the Cleveland Clinic, which is 55 miles away. I live in a small town, and there's only one pulmonologist; the next closest one is in Cleveland. Anyway, the appointment isn't until January 7th, but hopefully I'll be able to hang in there until then without having to go to the ER again. My prednisone only has two more days on it, but I have my Advair, my nebulizer, and my emergency inhaler. I'm counting the days! Thanks for all the advice!