Could I have asthma, or am I out of shape?

Question:

Im average in weight, 5' 11" and 145 pounds, but did not get much exercise when I was younger, and would run out of breath doing simple things, like walking up the stairs. I used to think it was because I was out of shape, but I am ALWAYS out of breath. I sat down to read for two hours the other day, and could not stop breathing heavily. sometimes I wake up to my alarm with a constricted feeling in my chest, that doesn't go away during the day. It has become a very annoying fixture in my life. I have anxiety issues, and the breathing gets worse when I am anxious. But my symptoms are not exclusive to anxiety producing situations.

It might also be important to note that a parent is a chain smoker, and smoked around me as a child. I am 18 now and do not smoke.

Answers:
well it is best if you consult with your doctor first, but on my opinion it could be either reason. #1. your body may not be used to exercising and you may not have a long endurance status and you just have to work up to it since you mentioned that you never got exercise when you were younger.

#2. then again, i wouldnt doubt the asthma part of it since i used to have asthma as well. inhalers really do help since you have a constricted feeling in your chest as if you arent feeling that your getting as much air as your should be.

#3. your lungs may very well be damaged from the second hand smoke you always breathed when you were younger. thankfully you dont smoke now :]

a sport that does help in both you situations is swimming. first of all, you said u didnt get alot of excercise and swimming is great for your body, also, it is great for treating asthma since it plays a role in breathing because you have to hold your breath--as you keep practicing swimming then you will be able to breath longer and deeper...and thats how i got rid of my asthma. still, an inhaler is great to have on handy

It's possible that you have asthma - chest tightness and shortness of breath are two common symptoms. Smoke is a really bad trigger for asthma attacks so it may have affected you growing up.

I'd talk to your doctor to have them officially evaluate you. Tell him all of your symptoms and history.

Could I have asthma, or am I out of shape?

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