I'm afraid of doctors, is there a way to find out if I have asthma?

Answer 1

There are a few ways to find out if you might have a respiratory problem.

One is to use a Peak flow meter, and another is administered with more advanced instrumentation form registered nurses.

Skilled practitioners can tell you if you have passed those tests, or if you have breathing problems.

As far as the real test, (the one you would take if you did not pass the preliminary tests) they are not usually administered by doctors. they are given by nurses or Physician Assistance.

You breath in and out, hard and normal, into a mouthpiece hooked up to a computer.

The only time you would need to see a 'doctor" is if you are diagnosed with the problem to personally ensure you understand the program.

I have had asthma for 40 years but only found out about it 3 years ago. Life would have been SOOO much better and easier if I had known.

Answer 2

I have asthma. If I work to hard physically then I start to wease. Allergies also trigger it. It has been life threatening twice. Once was because of my grass allergy. I cut the grass without taking an anti-histamine, and that sent me to the hospital for one week, and I was on oral steroids for 4 weeks. I had veins collapse from the intravenous steroids I received while in the hospital, and it hurt like hell. The other time I was at a beach and was walking through shallow water to shore. The physical exertion brought on an asthma attack, and I had to walk really slowly to get to shore without collapsing.

Some people think that asthma is in our heads and that if we could just calm down our attack would stop. I think that's at least partly true. What happens is that the harder your heart has to work, or the faster you have to breath, the more restricted your bronchial tubes become. This worsens the problem, which worsens the problem. So I agree that calming down and slowing your breathing helps. OTOH I spent about two hours chilling out watching movies trying to relax before being admitted to the hospital for a week after the grass cutting incident, so relaxing doesn't always do the trick.

I'd say that if either allergies or exertion causes difficult breathing then you should consider which is more scary... Death or doctors?

Answer 3

The only way to find out if you have asthma and to get treatment for it is to see the doc. I am not sure why you are afraid of your doctor but if you are that afraid of your doc then you need to find a new doc that you like and trust. The doctor went to school to help people figure out what is wrong with them. By not seeing the doc when you need to and letting symptoms go unchecked you are making his job a lot harder than it has to be. The earlier he catches something the easier and less expensive it is for him to treat it.

Answer 4

Go to the doctor. Sorry, but that's what it takes to get proper diagnosis and treatment. A reputable doctor is nothing to be afraid of.

Contrary to what many have said before me, not all asthma makes you unable to breathe. I have a mild form of asthma and it just makes it tougher for my body to process the oxygen.

Answer 5

if u think that u may have asthma then u'll have a pretty big clue. if u're not having any trouble breathing or if you're not coughing then u're probably fine. but if u are having one of those problems u should see a doctor. asthma is very serious and it needs to be treated. one of my friends will probably get asthma. she is having many problems and both of her parents have it. the doctors told her that she will probably get it within the next 2 years. she even had to use an inhaler for a while when she was sick(she had difficulty breathing). u should really get it checked. i wish u the best of luck! hope u get enough courage to go! u need to.

Answer 6

If you have asthma then you will have problems taking
a deep breath without struggling. You lungs become restricted and breathing becomes a struggle. Allergies can trigger an attack and you will need medical intervention to keep from becoming worse. Some how you need to find a doctor you can be comfortable with
and get checked out. Have someone go with you that you trust to help you get over your fears. I would suggest
counseling to find out why your have this fear and get help to confront your fear and overcome it. Your very life
depends on you over coming your fear of doctors.

Answer 7

if u have asthma, u will have attacks that will take your breath away.
asthma is serious and u need to either go to a doc or find your own cure over the net or thru home remedies.
http://www.asthma.com

Answer 8

Not being able to breathe should be more frightening. Go to a Dr.

Answer 9

BE FRANK WITH DOCTORS,DONT FEEL SHY ,THEY ARE THERE TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM. IF YOU NEGLECT, IT WILL LEAD TO OTHER SERIOUS COMPLICATION .DOCTORS MAINTAIN SECRECY TRUST THEM.