Nightwriter
New member
Hi Heather,
I have read some articles that say having even one gene might cause respiratory problems, but I don't think they there is a lot of research on this yet. And then there is always the possiblity, there is a second unidentified gene. This is what happened to me. First lung symptoms at 21, suspected adult onset CF. Normal non-smoker who suddenly had bronchiectesis and pseudomonas was the clue. Years later, I was tested when they only had about 80 genes identified, and they found one gene. It wasn't until this year, when I had the full panel, they found the second.
But whether you have it or not, or whether you are just a carrier with some respiratory problem, it does seem like you have asthma. Asthma can come on very suddenly. With global warming and all of us sharing the same polluted air, asthma cases are being diagnosed in record numbers.
It is also quite likely you've always had asthma or at least for a very long time. You can have asthma and not "feel it." Mainly because it could have been mild. Your lungs may not have been constricted or airways swollen enough for you to notice it. But having a propensity for colds turning into bronchitis sounds like your lungs were hypersensitive at the very least. With 30% FEV1, that is pretty moderate. People usually think asthma means wheezing or attacks. But this is not always so. It ranges from no noticable symptoms, to coughing at certain triggers, and/or wheezing. Sometimes the only way people find out is through PFT tests and then they are shocked at the numbers. Although technique matters, 30% is very very low and technique is not likely to be the cause. And that's why they have you repeat the test 3 times to get a somewhat accurate number.
The good news is Asthma is treatable. But I will pass on something that my doctor told me you should be aware of. Mild asthma can be dangerous if people are not aware of it or are not being treated for it. You can walk by something, eat something and have a full blown asthma attack. My doctor said that in addition to appropriate meds, and environmental changes, patients should always have an emergency bronchodilator with them and to keep an Epi-Pen in the house.
And in the bigger picture, when your asthma becomes well-controlled, the doctor can reduce the medication and sometimes eliminate it as long as the patient is compliant with avoiding triggers. In some cases, it could even be some weird thing that sets you off.
What seems like "sudden" asthma can be from years of being exposed to lots of triggers or it can be triggered by some recent change in your life that is causing inflamation in your lungs (allergy or just irritant) Moving, a new job, a new mattress, something that you might have to do a little detective work to figure out.
If it were me, I'd get tested for allergies. Get an Ige blood test. Ask the doctor for a quick acting bronchodilator and Epi-pen. I then would look around your house or work for any recent changes. And I would allergy-proof my home to start with...
I have read some articles that say having even one gene might cause respiratory problems, but I don't think they there is a lot of research on this yet. And then there is always the possiblity, there is a second unidentified gene. This is what happened to me. First lung symptoms at 21, suspected adult onset CF. Normal non-smoker who suddenly had bronchiectesis and pseudomonas was the clue. Years later, I was tested when they only had about 80 genes identified, and they found one gene. It wasn't until this year, when I had the full panel, they found the second.
But whether you have it or not, or whether you are just a carrier with some respiratory problem, it does seem like you have asthma. Asthma can come on very suddenly. With global warming and all of us sharing the same polluted air, asthma cases are being diagnosed in record numbers.
It is also quite likely you've always had asthma or at least for a very long time. You can have asthma and not "feel it." Mainly because it could have been mild. Your lungs may not have been constricted or airways swollen enough for you to notice it. But having a propensity for colds turning into bronchitis sounds like your lungs were hypersensitive at the very least. With 30% FEV1, that is pretty moderate. People usually think asthma means wheezing or attacks. But this is not always so. It ranges from no noticable symptoms, to coughing at certain triggers, and/or wheezing. Sometimes the only way people find out is through PFT tests and then they are shocked at the numbers. Although technique matters, 30% is very very low and technique is not likely to be the cause. And that's why they have you repeat the test 3 times to get a somewhat accurate number.
The good news is Asthma is treatable. But I will pass on something that my doctor told me you should be aware of. Mild asthma can be dangerous if people are not aware of it or are not being treated for it. You can walk by something, eat something and have a full blown asthma attack. My doctor said that in addition to appropriate meds, and environmental changes, patients should always have an emergency bronchodilator with them and to keep an Epi-Pen in the house.
And in the bigger picture, when your asthma becomes well-controlled, the doctor can reduce the medication and sometimes eliminate it as long as the patient is compliant with avoiding triggers. In some cases, it could even be some weird thing that sets you off.
What seems like "sudden" asthma can be from years of being exposed to lots of triggers or it can be triggered by some recent change in your life that is causing inflamation in your lungs (allergy or just irritant) Moving, a new job, a new mattress, something that you might have to do a little detective work to figure out.
If it were me, I'd get tested for allergies. Get an Ige blood test. Ask the doctor for a quick acting bronchodilator and Epi-pen. I then would look around your house or work for any recent changes. And I would allergy-proof my home to start with...