I am a 52 year old female am 5 ft. tall, and weight 120 lbs. I am pretty active...but for the last year I seem to not be able to get a deep enought breath of air. No matter how hard I try I cant get my lungs to expand. I have woke up a time or to on my back gasping for air so I no longer sleep on my back. I took maloxicam as needed but have discontinued it. I have never smoked and thought I was in good health. Please advise.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Difficulty in breathing can be due to bronchitis. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2.  PUT (pulmonary function test). PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis. IIT will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). If PFT is normal then no need to worry about bronchitis. Don't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.