Which doc should I go to for Asthma?

**Poop Loops** · Posted On: 12/10/2007 11:27pm

I had something like that as a kid. I remember having the big inhaler and all. Well it's about 16 years later and I still cough every day. I have a weird feeling that this might have something to do with me getting tired so fast, since if there is any liquid in my lungs (like when you're sick), I can't get enough oxygen to my muscles through them.

But I don't want to go to a regular GP, beause they are all stupid fuckers. Last time I went to my local GP clinic, I made an appointment for 12:30 and wasn't taken in until 2:30. Literally. If I could skip the reference bullshit, that would be much better. But I don't know what type of asshole specializes in this stuff. I have insurance under my parents still, so I'm cool with that, I think.

Also, best doc to get some bloodwork done? While I'm trying to get cured, I might as well what other **** I have in my body.

***jnp*** · Posted On: 12/11/2007 12:15am

Go to a pulmonologist, or lung doctor. He should look into your environment and your hereditary. Ask for chest x-rays if you're worried about fluid, asthma or infection in your lungs.

For chronic nasal or sinus problems go to an ENT, or ear, nose and throat doctor. There are also doctors who specialize in identifying and treating allergies.

Get standard lab bloodwork done first before you go see the blood disease specialist. A GP will send you to a lab where they'll do an standard analysis. After talking with you about your situation, your GP can decide whether further tests are warranted.

edit: Get a private GP. Avoid clinics. Doctors and nurses at clinincs are frequently overworked.

If you have decent insurance, there's no reason you shouldn't take the time to find yourself a competent doctor. Ask around, good doctors can often be found by word of mouth. Plus, good GP's often know the good specialists.

**Poop Loops** · Posted On: 12/11/2007 12:19am

Sounds good.

I think I am allergic to dust, but there's not much I can do about it. The carpets in my room (really, all of the upstairs part of the house) haven't been washed in years, and then there's the vents. So I'm doomed to live with that. It sucks because I get a runny nose and ****.

So I'll have to find a pulmonologist my insurance covers...

***jnp*** · Posted On: 12/11/2007 12:33am

Originally Posted by Poop Loops

Sounds good.

I think I am allergic to dust, but there's not much I can do about it. The carpets in my room (really, all of the upstairs part of the house) haven't been washed in years, and then there's the vents. So I'm doomed to live with that. It sucks because I get a runny nose and ****.

So I'll have to find a pulmonologist my insurance covers...

There's a whole regimen of stuff you can do about it. From HEPA air cleaners to HEPA vacuum cleaners to removing carpet to getting off your ass and moving somewhere else if that's not an option. Get my point?

My son has had congestion in his lungs for over four months. He's had a rolling cough for the last two month's. First we went to the allergist. After ordering chest x-rays and seeing a few faint light spots (air in the lungs is black on a x-ray) she sent us to the pulmonologist. The pulmo doctor was very knowledgable. So much so that you can PM me if you want to discuss asthma and it's causes. He was also against over prescribing medication, which is a big positive in my book.

Strange synchronicity that you posted this sixteen hours after I left the lung doctor's office.

**Poop Loops** · Posted On: 12/12/2007 12:00am

If I had posted this next week, you would have said it's strange that just last week you took your son to the doctor.

Well I've had this same cough in several different places (i.e. Poland and US, lived in several different apartments while in Poland), so I don't know how much environment has to do with it. The vacuum cleaner is still a good idea, though. Our current one is pretty shitty.