Mr. Asthma

Question:

> Recently i was diagnosed with asthma. My symptoms include a cough and > shortness of breath and chest tightness that is quite anxiety provoking. > It also appears to decrease my energy level for days at times. I have also > had diffuse chest discomfort with these symptoms. Normal EKG. I have had > wheezing, but I usally have all the above symptoms without audible > wheezing even with a stethascope any thoughts would be appreciated. Is > this asthma. I am scheduled for PFT >                                                    Tedd

It could be ‘cough variant asthma’. A lung function test using a spirometer, or a pulmonary lab test, would normally be used to confirm the diagnosis. Lung function is measured before and after administering a bronchodilator inhalant; an improvement of 15-20% tends to indicate asthma. See web pages: http://www.njc.org/MFhtml/APF_MF.html Adult Peak Flow Monitoring Excerpt "What Is a Peak Flow Meter? A peak flow meter is a small, easy-to-use instrument that enables you to measure lung function at home, at work " wherever you go. The peak flow meter measures how fast a person can blow out air after a maximum inhalation. This is called the peak expiratory flow rate, or PEFR." http://www.njc.org/MFhtml/SPI_MF.html Spirometer Tests Excerpt: "This simple test, called spirometry, measures air flow into and out of the lungs. A person blows very hard and fast into a tube attached to the spirometer and a computerized sensor calculates and graphs the results. The results demonstrate an individual’s air flow rates or the volume forced out within the first second. This indicates whether or not there is airway obstruction. Spirometry also records the total volume of air forced out of the lungs. Spirometry test results are useful in making the diagnosis of a specific lung disorder. Even more important, yearly spirometry measurements help to detect lung disease at an early stage when lifestyle changes and treatment may help forestall future problems." With symptoms like yours, the doctor will often prescribe a bronchodilator inhaler like Ventolin, on a trial basis, to see if it alleviates your symptoms. Exercise-induced bronchspasm (EIB) commonly accompanys the condition. Asthma usually gets worse at night and commonly causes fatigue, especially if out of control. Use of a home Peak Flow Meter is recommended to keep peak flow in green zone (>80% personal best). There are lots of asthma web pages at www.njc.org & www.aaaai.org Ellis

Response:

> Actually, you can have cough-variant asthma without any reduction in lung > function.  SLC

In that case, a bronchial challenge test should be used. Substances used for the challenge include histamine, methacholine, & cold air. Lung function is measure before and after administering the challenge inhalant. A drop of 15% tends to confirm asthma. This test must be performed under controlled medical conditions due to the possibility of a severe asthmatic reaction. Ellis

Response:

>> Actually, you can have cough-variant asthma without any reduction in lung > function.  SLC >In that case, a bronchial challenge test should be used. Substances used >for the challenge include histamine, methacholine, & cold air. Lung >function is measure before and after administering the challenge >inhalant. A drop of 15% tends to confirm asthma. This test must be >performed under controlled medical conditions due to the possibility of >a severe asthmatic reaction. >Ellis

Interesting.  I  never had that test, but my coughing stops with asthma meds.  SLC

Response: