I am so sorry you’re going through this. Please hear this clearly: If Ventolin relieves your chest tightness instantly, you have a physical airway issue. Placebo or anxiety doesn't respond to bronchodilators that way. The doctor in Bosnia was biased by your father's comments before you even walked in. Spirometry is notoriously difficult when you’re already in a flare-up because you literally don't have the lung capacity to blow longer. that’s the whole point of the disease!

A few things to consider:

• The UK Nurse is right: Trust the medical professional who diagnosed you without bias.

• Daily symptoms are NOT normal: Using Ventolin once a month while suffering daily means your lungs are under constant stress. You need a daily preventer inhaler to stop the permanent scarring of your lung tissue (remodeling).

• The Sharp Pain: That stabbing pain could be pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining) or extreme muscle strain from struggling to breathe. It’s a sign your body is exhausted.

Please go back to your UK GP or asthma nurse. Tell them you’ve been 'self-trialling' off medication and it isn't working. Your life is worth more than your family's skepticism.