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Hello there, Approx. 7 years ago I experienced a pretty traumatic event that caused me major sleep deprivation and all that other good stuff that goes along with it....I have always been allergic to cats, but now it seems to have worsened. I feel like I am trying to breath through a small straw that has been flattened. When not around cats, my breathing gets better but I still have breathing problems on a daily basis. I am thinking that the sleep deprivation has weakened my immune system to the point where I just cannot breath like a normal human being. It is quit frustrating and just don't know what to do. Inhalers don't do anything. When I try to exercise my symptoms get worse. It has gotten so bad that it just isn't a livable medical condition. Doctors have said my lungs appear to be normal but no on e feels the need to steer me in the right direction. What is my best avenue of approach to fix this nightmare? Who do I go and see?
Thanks,
Tom

Hi Tom,
Sorry to read that you are experiencing breathing problems.
Have you had a lung function test or been asked to keep a record of home peak flow readings, as the outcome of these would assist in making a diagnosis? The fact that you react when you are in contact with cats does indicate that you do have a degree of asthma. You do not say which inhalers you have tried. There are different types and strengths of inhaler, and it may be that you need to change to something more effective. I would strongly advise you to book an appointment with an asthma trained nurse, if you have one at your surgery, failing this I suggest you ask your GP to refer you to a respiratory specialist.
I hope that this has been helpful. I would be pleased to hear how you get on.