1 reply to this topic

[Sunder]

I read through the other asthma thread, trying to decide whether to add this post to that thread or start a new one... I decided to start a new one because of the differences.

I went in for a general checkup on my 32nd birthday, even though I was in what I thought was fairly good health. I had minor ailments, but nothing I would really complain about. Mild eczema on my hands, occasional tiredness (who doesn't?) occasional light headedness (who doesn't), clear my throat a fair bit (also not a major issue), and colds more than twice a year (Not common, but hardly cause to go to the doctor right)

Anyway, after he hears my chest, he asks me if I have asthma. I tell him no. He won't accept that for an answer - Any asthmatics in my family? (yes), any allergies? (no) any allergies in your family? (yes). He tells me he thinks I have atopic allergies - that is allergic symptoms that have little to do with contact. i.e. I breathe in dust, and get eczema on my hands. etc.

He puts me on a spirograph, and I return 480 litres per minute and 5 litres. I had no reference, but thought this was normal. Remember I have never ever felt short of breath, and never had an asthma attack. He gives me flixotide and ventolin as well as nasonex and tells me to see him 2 weeks.

I take the medicine for 4 days, with no apparent results, but thought that even corticosteriods for 2 weeks can't harm.

Then on the 5th day, I could not believe it, I cut 25% time off my short run (3km). Short runs are subject to a lot of variations right? Even stopping for 30 seconds for traffic can throw out your time, so I was trying not to get excited. I waited 2 days and did a long run - I cut 7 minutes, or about 15% off my long run.

I've since once run home after I forgot my ventolin inhaler for that day, and it seriously feels like I am breathing through garden hose, or a poorly adjusted diving regulator. It feels like I have to suck to breathe, rather than air just naturally flowing into my lung. I have no doubt whatsoever now that I've had asthma for who knows how long without knowing it.

I went back to the doctor this morning and redid the spirography. I now have a peak flow of 600l/m, which is about 5% below average for my height. My doctor thinks stronger medication for another month will show my "true" potential. Hopefully after that, we can reduce the dosage.

I'm not sure why I'm posting this, except that I'm really excited about it, and really looking forward to my next competitive run. All I can say is if you think you have allergies, it might be worth seeing either an allergy specialist or a asthma specialist.

[DoggieDoctor]

Welcome to the club. Fantastic to hear of a doctor as good as yours. I have one of those too. I had to argue with my GP that I didn't have asthma when I tried to get a medical for a scuba course. Didn't work. Only 2 things I can't do - one is inhale air under water (or more importantly return to the surface) and second is go into space. Bugger and I had already booked with Virgin Galactic! You can get a peak flow meter from Chemist that gives you a good idea of how well controlled you are. I use it frequently. Amazing the variation that you can be unaware of until you test it.

Good luck
DD