Do I need an inhaler?

Do I need an Inhaler?

• Last year I was prescribed an inhaler by my doctor because I had a bad cough, and when she was checking my cough with a stethoscope, she heard some wheezing. When I tried it, my lungs cleared up pretty well and I could breathe full breaths of air. Then, I stopped using the inhaler and everything was fine. I used it again on occasions when I felt like I wasn't getting a "full" breath. I just started the Power 90 exercise, and some of the exercises need me to jab, hook, and uppercut. However, when I start cross-jabbing, I find that I would wheeze, even when I am not breathing. If i help my breath, after every jab, a bit of air is escaping from my lungs. I am overweight. Is this because I have some kind of mucus in my lungs, or just because I am overweight? (I usually have no breathing problems when I run or play sports. However, I always feel like there is something in my lungs and I can't seem to cough it up.) If I do need an inhaler, then I will just go to CVS and buy one for like 25 bucks. Should I just go buy one, try it, and see if my breathing gets better? One more thing. I always have stuff in my throat and it is annoying me. I'm not sure if its saliva, or mucus. I always need to clear my throat (Every 2 - 3 minutes or so) Why is this?

• Answer:

  I honestly think the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor, and tell them all the things you just wrote. Nothing beats professional medical advice. However, what you described sounds pretty close to asthma, the wheezing and feeling that there is something you just can't cough up is a common symptom of asthma (I know this for a fact, I have had it for over 16 years). I would suggest talking to your doctor first, but what you described sounds pretty close to asthma to me and I would definitely buy an inhaler if things don't improve. Hope you feel better :)