I had an asthma episode 3 months ago that landed me in the ER for a 3
hour visit for corticosteroids and antibiotic (since it was a nasty
chest cold that prompted it).  Last time was in high school 20 years
ago after occasional 'childhood' asthma.  I have been very physically
active all my life, but while I am doing much better, I don't seem to
get full resolution of the feeling of being short of breath.  I am on
Advair and use my albuterol prior to working out and as-needed.  I
just had a full pulmonary function test and echocardiogram and am
awaiting the results during my follow-up with the pulmonologist - the
technicians said nothing significant came out of the PFT and the echo
was fine.

My question is: is it common to feel like this constantly and is it
possible that I will be short of breath the rest of my life?  I am
hoping it is simply taking my body time to get over an acute episode
and that while I might have to take Advair or maintenance meds
forever, I will get 'back to normal' and the dyspnea will pass.  These
are questions I intend on asking my pulmonologist, btw, but I wanted
to know if others have experienced a similar situation and any
advice/thought/comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tone