can non-acute asthma cause chronic shortness of breath?

[wxKathy2]

Hi All,
I have no cough, and no real acute asthma attacks. However, I started having chronic shortness of breath (severe) in October...They are putting me through the wringer with medical tests, but one of them showed that I had asthma.....I do sometimes get wheezy at night - but would not consider myself having severe asthma. Could this be the cause though of my shortness of breath - I've not been able to exercise because of the SOB....They prescribed singular, albuterol and advair....the advair started to give me a yeast infection in my mouth on the second day so I stopped it. The pulomonary doc seems to think I really need an inhaled steroid so now they want me to try asmanex.....If there's a chance this would cure my SOB I will try it, but if not I don't think I want to take it (also have bone density issues).....I am getting tested for gallbladder and heart issues too. (Am 41 years old - family history of artery clogging and gallbladder probs)....
Thanks for any help!!
Best wishes to you all...
Kathy
PS Non-smoker, never smoked...

[Howitt44]

Kathy,
Your situation sounds a lot like mine. I started having vague shortness of breath (not severe) about 7 years ago. I would also get winded while walking the neighborhood with my friend. I just assumed I was out of shape.(Which I was and still am! ) After a couple of doctors I was diagnosed with asthma. I NEVER wheeze, have asthma attacks, hardly ever cough and even cold air doesn't bother me. I am certainly not a typical asthmatic. My lung function test showed narrowing in my small airways. Even with medication I am not 100% normal. I am on allergy meds and Advair. I have done well with Advair. It has made an enormous difference in how I feel and my test results improved. I would really consider taking what medications your doctor suggests. Long term symptoms can mean damaging your lungs for good and possibly oxygen on down the road. You don't want that!
Cindy

[wxKathy2]

Hi Howitt44,
Thanks for your reply...when you say the meds have made an enormous difference - do you mean it's helped your shortness of breath? I have trouble even walking into the office...I used to exercise regularly - but that came to a screeching halth with this sob and I've gained tons of weight....which doesn't help the SOB, but it started before the weight gain....I had some narrowing too but I'm not sure where...I'll have to ask....Thanks again,
Kathy

[Howitt44]

The Advair does help with shortness of breath. I mean, I can't jog a mile yet, but I can do about 4 mph on the treadmill. Some days are worse than others, too. The last couple of weeks have been bad for me because I am allergic to tree pollen. We just moved to the country and we are surrounded by trees. I live in Oklahoma, so I have to contend with the wind also. Usually after the tree pollen dies down (middle of June or so), I am fine. No more sneezing, watery eyes and tight lungs. I am overweight which makes everything worse. My allergy doctor even told me that if I would lose weight, she thought my lung function would improve. Do you have allergies?

[wxKathy2]

I'm am okie too - an allergist told us it's one of the worst places in the country for allergies because the wind blows pollens in from every direction!! I really only have mild allergies - I used to take a 1/2 benadryl at night and no allergies....they just changed me to singulair to help with the asthma....I have no sneezing, but my eyes do sting...Good for you for getting on the treadmill!! I recently gained a lot of weight but my breathing problems started before I gained it - I gained 50 lbs in 5 weeks last november! A stupid medicine.....I quit the med - but still have the weight and more....I have bad breathing days and better days too...and they seem to come in clusters....They gave me asmanex....I didn't take it last night....right now I'm just looking at it! : ) Thanks for your help!
Best wishes,
Kathy