Asthma like symptoms after Showering

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi Doctors,

I am in my thirties (normal bodyweight, active lifestyle, eating a varied diet including meat and vegetables, no allergies) and experience constricted breathing, and the feeling that something is in my lungs after taking a shower in my flat. I did not experience these symptoms using showers in other locations.

I went to a pulmonologist who diagnosed me with asthma, but was at a loss why the shower seems to trigger my symptoms. The shower water is not chlorinated. Could invisible mold, or some substance in the wall color cause my symptoms even if the standard allergy test (pollen, animal hair, mold, bed lice, etc) came out negative? Or do you have another suggestion how to tackle this?

All the best
J

2

How were you diagnosed with asthma?

Did you undergo any form of chest imaging and/or pulmonary function testing?

3

Thanks for the reply! I got an chest X ray (looks all good), blood tests (Eosinophil look normal), fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (nothing out of the ordinary), and a plumonary function testing (reduced lung function, doctor said this points to asthma)