Hi i have just turned 50, but for the last month or so my breating seems to have changed, i do not normally suffer from illness, in fact i am never ill, but now at times (becoming more frequent) it feels like im in a smoked filled room and my breathing becomes stiffled, is it an allergy?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. I don't think it is allergy because allergy don't seen directly at the age of 50. In my opinion, you are mostly having bronchitis (inflammation of airways). Bronchitis can cause similar kind of symptoms and can be seen due to aging. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2. PUT (pulmonary function test). PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis, but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You will mostly improve with inhaled bronchodilator (formoterol or albuterol) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone). Don't worry, you will be alright. Consult pulmonologist and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.