I'm Concerned I May Have Asthma—Seeking Guidance
This is my first time reaching out on here, so I apologize if I do anything incorrectly. I'm in need of some guidance. About a year and a half ago, I started to notice some unusual symptoms that I suspect could be asthma. There’s a history of this condition in my family on both sides. Whenever I engage in running or any form of physical activity, I experience a constricting pain in my chest, along with a sensation that my throat is tightening, making it difficult to breathe. I wouldn't describe myself as overweight—perhaps a bit on the heavier side—but I do stay active, especially with marching band practices after school. Recently, I've felt increasingly winded, even when I'm just standing still. At times, it feels like I’m not inhaling enough air, and I struggle to take a full breath. Lightheadedness accompanies these moments, leaving me feeling like I might faint. This troubling pattern has emerged not only during vigorous activities like running or jogging but also during calm moments like standing or sitting down. I visited a doctor once and underwent a breathing test, but at that time, my symptoms weren’t as pronounced. The only assessment they provided involved me sitting and breathing into a device, and I was completely fine while sitting, not struggling for breath. The results deemed my lung function normal, but when I inquired further, my doctor didn’t offer any clarifications or additional insights. As a young woman, I'm aware that some male doctors may overlook or dismiss women's health concerns. I've experienced this dismissal with this specific physician in the past, which adds to my frustration. Any thoughts or advice on this situation would be immensely helpful!
Answers (1)
12/15/2025, 4:30:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing concerning symptoms that could indicate a respiratory issue, potentially asthma, especially given your family's history. It’s great that you’re seeking guidance. Your symptoms—chest pain during physical activity, difficulty breathing, and feeling winded even at rest—are important to understand and manage.
Explanation:
Asthma is a condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. Symptoms can include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In your case, it seems like these symptoms are exacerbated during physical activities like running but are also occurring at rest, which you should closely monitor.
Your previous visit for a breathing test may not have captured your symptoms if they weren’t active at that moment. This is not uncommon, as asthma symptoms can be intermittent. Given your frustration with your previous experience, it's crucial to take a proactive approach in managing your health.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers (like exercise, weather, or exposure to smoke). This record will be valuable for any future consultations with healthcare providers.
-
Breathing Techniques: Practice controlled breathing exercises, such as the diaphragmatic breathing technique. This can help during moments when you feel short of breath. Slow, deep breaths can ease panic and provide more oxygen.
-
Allergen and Irritant Awareness: Identify and avoid any known allergens or irritants (like smoke, strong fragrances, or changes in weather) that may worsen your symptoms.
-
Consultation Preparation: Since you felt dismissed during your previous consultation, consider preparing for your next doctor’s visit by bringing your symptom diary. Clearly describe your experiences, noting how symptoms affect your daily activities. This will help your doctor understand your situation better.
-
Requesting Further Testing: If your symptoms persist, discuss the possibility of performing further testing, such as a bronchial provocation test or an allergy test. Make sure to express that your symptoms are consistent and concerning, even when you are not undergoing a specific test.
-
Home Environment: Ensure your living space has good air quality. Use an air purifier if possible and avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Remember, you deserve a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, and if your current provider does not seem to take your concerns seriously, it's okay to seek a second opinion. Your health and comfort in communicating your needs are important. You're taking a proactive step by reaching out, and that’s commendable.
Related Questions
Navigating the Confusion: A Reflection on My Experiences with Autism and Possible Intellectual Disability
In November, on a Tuesday afternoon around 4 PM, I ventured to an elementary school that I had attended as a child. The school’s day typically concludes at 3:20 PM, but this particular Tuesday was a half-day due to parent-teacher conferences, meaning the students were dismissed at noon. I thought it was perfectly fine to go back and play on the swings, especially since there were no children present. After enjoying some time on the swings, I strolled around the exterior of the building, reminiscing by looking through the windows. Suddenly, I caught the attention of a few staff members, and they appeared quite alarmed by my presence, though it was still after school hours. One of the staff members approached me and inquired about what I was doing. I explained that I was simply walking around and intended no harm, as they seemed to be shaken by my being there. He insisted that I could not be on the premises during what he referred to as "school time." I found this puzzling, considering I was under the impression that the school day had finished well earlier. After our brief exchange, he returned inside, raising questions in my mind about whether parent-teacher conferences classified as school hours. Feeling unsettled and embarrassed, I departed the school yard. However, as I reached the parking lot, the principal emerged and confronted me, demanding to know my purpose for being there. I told him I had just wanted to swing, but his response shocked me. In an aggressive tone, he shouted, "DO YOU REALIZE THAT YOU'RE TRESPASSING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY?!?" I responded, "But, the school day is over," to which he snapped back, "Yeah, and the gate is closed!" Reflecting on this, I realize I didn’t convey my perspective effectively, but his demeanor left little room for discussion. After scolding me, he asked if I lived nearby, and when I affirmed that I did, he urgently insisted, "Is this your car?!?" to which I naively answered yes. He proceeded to take a photo of my license plate with his phone. I wanted to inquire about his actions, but he interrupted me, demanding I "dismiss myself", prompting me to walk away quickly. Concerned that the school might share that photo with law enforcement to track me down, I reached out to the principal via LinkedIn later that evening, recounting the incident and pleading not to be reported. Regrettably, I felt compelled to delete my LinkedIn account the following morning, realizing I had acted impulsively. The next afternoon, under the guise of anonymity, I called the school's main office to gather information about any incidents involving trespassing. The person on the other end stated they couldn't provide such details and hung up. Shortly after, I received a return call from the principal, whose tone was combative. He stated he had been informed of my inquiry and demanded to know who I was. When I claimed I was anonymous, he refused to give me any information. He then unnervingly asked, "Is this [my first name] [my last name]?" I denied it, but my heart sank, realizing he had seen my message before I deleted my account. I quickly excused myself from the call, and he dismissed me without further conversation. The following evening, still feeling anxious, I reached out to one of my former teachers on Facebook, detailing the prior day's events. I was eager to understand if there had been any notice made about my actions and whether she thought I deserved punishment. The next morning, she replied, indicating she hadn’t heard anything and assured me I was not in trouble. However, my message reached the attention of someone else, as later that day security personnel arrived at my doorstep. My family witnessed this on our security cameras, and understandably, they were alarmed given what I had previously told them. My mother called, but I didn't answer, sensing something was off. Once I arrived home, my brother informed me of the situation and suggested I stay in because our mother was anxious. Despite this, I felt compelled to drive and find clarity, so I parked nearby and called the main office, revealing my identity. The principal was unavailable, but a security officer assured me I hadn’t done anything wrong, advising me to avoid the school and refrain from contacting any teachers. Following this, I texted my family to ease their minds, but my message went unanswered since they were preoccupied picking up my mother from work. When I finally discovered why I hadn’t received a reply, I learned my mother had already contacted the school regarding the situation. Apparently, someone had inaccurately reported seeing me knocking on windows, a claim that was entirely false. My mother advised me to stay inside, cautioning me that the security officers intended to return to speak with me in person. After waiting for two hours without any sign of their arrival, I grew restless and decided to step out. I have received a diagnosis of autism, but I suspect I may also have an intellectual disability despite never having been formally diagnosed in that regard. Are these experiences indicative of a potential intellectual disability? Should I consider seeking a formal evaluation for this?
Battling Health Anxiety: My Ongoing Struggle
At 28 years old and weighing 165 pounds, I find myself trapped in a web of fear, particularly regarding the looming specter of cancer, which has profoundly impacted my daily life over the past two months. For a decade, anxiety and depression have been part of my reality. My journey with mental health challenges began when I was just 18, but since 2019, my fears about my health have escalated significantly. With both of my parents facing health issues and my brothers also struggling, the anxiety has become overwhelming. Since late 2018, I’ve been experiencing various symptoms that come and go, but the latest ones have left me feeling terrified. Paradoxically, I’m also too frightened to consult a medical professional about them. Currently, I'm dealing with recurring stomach problems that have improved slightly. However, I can’t tell if what I’m feeling is genuine shortness of breath or a figment of my anxiety. Even performing simple tasks leaves me breathless, and I notice it particularly when I'm trying to speak in full sentences. In addition, over the past three weeks, I’ve had sporadic mild pain in my upper back, which adds to my concerns. I don’t feel like my usual self. My parents think I’m overreacting, given that I’ve gone through similar episodes multiple times over the years. Lab tests have consistently come back normal, save for a long-standing issue with low iron, which has hovered around 16. The lowest level was 7 back in 2018, and fatigue has remained a constant in my life. This anxiety has taken control of my life, pushing me to a breaking point as I grapple with how much precious time I’ve lost to this fear. It often feels as if my life has barely begun yet is already over because of this overwhelming worry. Just last night as I attempted to sleep, a memory resurfaced: standing in my childhood room, consumed by the fear of facing a cancer diagnosis. That moment triggered an emotional breakdown, reminding me of how deeply these fears have impacted me.
Seeking Guidance on Health Concerns After a Mistake
Hello, I'm in a bit of a predicament and I’m uncertain about my next steps. I’m a 17-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 123 pounds. Additionally, I have a history of pulmonary valve stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, for which I take atenolol. I’m currently at a friend's house, which is a regular occurrence for us. However, her brother is back from college, where it seems he developed a taste for drinking. We were playing cards when he made some mixed drinks for both me and my friend. Initially hesitant, I was persuaded by his teasing and had a small sip. Feeling nothing unusual, I thought it was fine to have a bit more and ended up consuming about two drinks, not entirely sure of what was in them. To complicate matters, he suggested that we take Adderall to avoid hangovers, and he provided us with 5mg. Reflecting on it, I recognize how unwise this decision was and I can’t fathom why I went along with it. Now, I'm genuinely concerned about my situation due to my pre-existing heart issues and the medications I take. I fear that this could pose a greater risk to my health compared to others without such conditions. I'm torn between whether to try to rest it off or if the situation warrants alerting someone for help. I fully acknowledge the irresponsibility of my actions; this is completely out of character for me as I usually refrain from such activities, and I don’t even consume caffeine.
Feeling Under the Weather - Should I Prioritize Sleep Tonight?
I understand this might tread into medical territory, but I'm seeking guidance on this matter. I've procrastinated on a work presentation that's due tomorrow, primarily because I've been battling a cold. I've been relying on a mix of Sudafed, caffeine, nicotine, and occasional emotional breaks to keep going. Honestly, I feel like I'm nearing my limits both physically and mentally, yet the task at hand must be completed. Likely, I won't have much time to rest tonight. Considering the importance of delivering a quality presentation, should I pull an all-nighter or take a brief rest? During college, I managed to stay awake for an entire night on several occasions and felt okay afterwards. However, I’ve heard that lack of sleep can lead to decreased performance. My parents, who are hardworking individuals, aren’t able to offer much in the way of advice. I would appreciate any medical insights! I'm a 22-year-old female, standing 5’5” and weighing 135 pounds, currently on methotrexate for arthritis with an IUD in place. I don't have any other health issues to note.
Experiencing Discomfort During Transvaginal Ultrasound
This morning, I underwent a transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and encountered significant pain when the sonographer applied pressure on my right ovary and the area behind my uterus. The sensation was more than mere tenderness; it was quite discomforting. After I mentioned the pain, the sonographer examined the scans and acknowledged that it was understandable for me to feel soreness in those areas, yet he didn’t provide any further information. I have a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and am currently being evaluated for potential endometriosis. At this moment, I find myself in the midst of my menstrual cycle. It’s worth noting that my mother overcame ovarian cancer in her 40s, and a cousin of mine has been diagnosed with endometriosis. Given these circumstances, I am curious whether the discomfort could be related to endometriosis, a cyst, or simply a result of ovulation. I’m sharing this out of a sense of urgency since I’m eager to learn more about my health. Although I am actively undergoing medical evaluations, I want to be informed and prepared for the results when they arrive.