Could this be asthma? - Asthma Message Board

smilesunshine · 02-12-2003, 04:23 PM

My DH has been to a doctor who told him he didn't have asthma, but gave him some type of medicine (I'm guessing albuterol). 7 years later, he still has these symptoms. At night, especially when its cold, he has difficulty breathing (especially around bedtime). doesn't really wheeze, but he has to take deep breaths in order to breath. He also has to sit or lie still in order for the symptoms to subside. Moreover, he has to get as warm as possible in order to feel better. This means blasting the heat at around 80 degrees or more, sleeping with 2 blankets or quilts and turning the electric blanket as high as it can go. Sometimes he'll have this breathing condition come up when he's outin the cold air too long. So when he leaves a building, he goes straight to the car and vice versa. I also notice that after he's fallen asleep, he breaths somewhat shallow and makes like a sharp short "huh" sound upon exhailing. (sort of like ones initial reaction to when a tiny gnat flies in their nostril and they attempt to get it out).

We went to another doctor and she practically laughed at us as we were trying to describe the symptoms he was having. She was very cynical (spelling) and asked us questions like if he has job related stress, do we argue and fight alot and does he only experience this when he is around me. She went on to say that it didn't sound like asthma and that she was going to refer him to a sleep study doctor. I am concerned about this condition as my DH is not a smoker and is not allergic to pets or anything else. Any help would be appreciated.

creinha · 02-13-2003, 11:34 AM

First, what does "DH" stand for?

When your DH is having this attack and breathes in deeply, does he have trouble exhaling all the air from his lungs? If it's asthma and he has trouble exhaling, in a short time, he will feel like he has a "barrel chest" - the lungs keep getting filled with air but very little is being exhaled so the lungs will expand. Then pretty soon, there won't be enough room to breathe in fresh air and you feel like your suffocating.

I can also tell you from my experience with asthma that the cold air always has a negative effect on me. I've heard that cold air is an irritant. I don't understand how the covers would make a difference unless he is putting his head under them and breathing the warmer air there.

Cheri.

smilesunshine · 02-13-2003, 11:54 AM

DH is one of those net acronyms for "Dear Husband" (like LOL laugh out loud, SIL sister-in-law, etc.)

I'll have to ask him but it seems like he has trouble when he exhales. Thanks for you response

wrin · 02-13-2003, 02:14 PM

A sleep study wouldn't be a bad idea -- just to rule a few things out -- but seriously get another doctor, and have your husband sent for pulmonary function testiong. You seriously can't tell by looking at someone that, "hey, he doesn't have asthma."

Get a referal to a pulmonologist, get sent for pulmonary function testing, ask for a methacholine challenge. It's where they blow a small amount of irritant into your lungs and then measure how much you tighten up. Based on the concentration of the irritant (because if you have no change, they keep upping the concentration,) and based on how much you tighten up, they can tell if you have asthma, and if so, how bad it is.