Worried after asthma diagnosis

albertha, how were you diagnosed?  Based on your symptoms or did you see a pulmonologist who ran lung function tests?  If your primary care doctor diagnosed you, I would ask for a referral to a pulmonologist.  

My husband was dx with asthma (by our primary care doc) after a case of pneumonia.  He was uncomfortable with the diagnosis and the prospect of taking asthma medication for the rest of his life, so he asked for a referral to a pulmonologist, who ran additional tests.  The upshot was that my dh had bronchitis caused by the pneumonia.  That was treated and the bronchitis was cured.

albertha,

I was diagnosed with asthma when I was about 40. I never had any breathing problems before that in my life. There is such a thing as adult onset asthma, so try not to worry that your cough has to mean you have mets, it doesn't. I agree that you do need to visit a pulmonologist to confirm the diagnosis. They do lung function tests that will confirm the diagnosis and they can also treat it better than your primary care doc.

I've had asthma for about 30 years now. I got it bad, and was hospitalized several times in the early years. Who would have thought that a nice hot shower would send my lungs into spasm that resulted in me being on a ventilator?

Because my asthma is based on allergies, my most important doctor was a really good allergist. My pcp was nice, but really didn't have the details needed. I was tested to determine what I was allergic to. I am allergic to everything -dust, grass, mold, tree pollen, evergreen trees, cats, goats, all kinds of good stuff.

But, even more important is lifestyle changes - My family has to help with housework, as all that dust makes me wheeze. So, if I am cleaning, I wear a mask to keep dust out my lungs. I don't use smelly, heavy-duty cleaners. I use a steam cleaner for many things, and scrub with abrasive products with no scents like BonAmi on surfaces. 

I get regular exercise at a gym. I practice yoga - the breathing control is really important for me. And, most importantly, I get a good night's sleep. Regularly. I go to bed at a decent time, and when I'm bushed, I sleep in. This is a disease where you really need to put yourself first.

I have meds, and have taken them heavy-duty in the past. But now, I take one allergy pill, and have an inhaler available if needed. 

There are lots of effective treatments out there - good luck, and relax. This is one disease that you have a lot of control over.