What’s the best option for mild problem

[jason_in98]

I am 23 and noticed breathing issues a few years ago. I was in college at the time and didn't want to go to the doctor because I didn't have trouble breathing, I just didn't have as much breath as I thought I should have (and as I remembered having in High School).

After chest pains a few weeks ago, my worried and sweet wife convinced me to go to the doctor. After some pulmonary tests, EKG (to make sure the chest pains were not my heart) and X-rays (no heart swelling, thank goodness) the doctor said I had mild asthma and put me on Advair. It's been a week now, and if anything my chest hurts MORE. It's still not too bad, but I definitely don't feel any better.
I don't have major asthma attacks, but I do wake up sometimes with slight breathing issues and need to get a drink of water and cough a few times to go back to sleep. I also get a tight and painful chest (normally on the left side, but this morning on the right) sometimes.

What can I expect from the medicine and what’s the best way?

Thanks in advance!

[taurusmoon]

Hi Jason Welcome.

We're not doctors here so we can't offer any reliable medical advice, just support.

That being said, what you're describing sounds very much like something I had experienced. I, similarly, was treated for asthma. Then I paid close attention to what I was feeling and realized that I was probably experiencing something gastric rather than pulmonary.

I mentioned this to my doctor and BINGO! turns out that after some further examination I was found to have gastroesophageal reflux. Never did have asthma. Which would explain why the asthma meds did nothing to alleviate my symptoms.

If you don't see any improvement in your symptoms, you might want to explore this avenue with your doctor.

In the meantime, try sleeping with you head elevated and avoid any foods that might induce heartburn. It can't hurt you. Might help.

Hope you feel better soon.

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

Ditto what taurusmoon said about not being a doctor. I don't have asthma experience either, but wanted to say "hi" and hope you stick around a while!

[theworm[$]]

I'm not a doctor either, so my advice would be to ask your doctor. If you do have asthma, I know that some people can't tollerate Advair.
So check with your doc and make sure its ok, and then you and your wife check out the other forums and let us get to know you!

[wyatt1244]

Your doctor may prescribe things for you to use against what seems to be mild asthma which may not be too good for you in the long run. The Buteyko method is proven, safe and very effective. The book Close Your Mouth and ABC to be asthma free are self help books to teach yourself the Buteykjo clinic method. They are available from amazon com for USA and amazon co uk for UK and other countries. Patrick McKeown a renowned practitioner teaches many other natural clinic methods at his site asthmacare ieIt will be well worth your time.

[amykhar]

Thanks for the info, Wyatt