I lived in a house, with a cat, for 14 years, and had no breathing problems.
My cat died in March. We moved from the house to a condo unit in July of the same year. In October of that year I began having problems with my breathing, not being able to "catch" my breath. After 4 eposides of this, the last for which I can tell you was started by smelling bleach, I went to an asthma dr., who in turn sent me to an allergist. I tested postive for cat and dust mite allergy. He seems to think my problem catching my breath is from the dust mite allergy, but if so, why didn't I have this problem while living in the house? Can a residence or dwelling, such as this condo, be the thing that is causing this problem? I am on Advair, Pro Air, Singulair, and I am not getting better. These meds are requiring me to take Nexium for the side effects THEY cause. I'm discouraged, and just want to feel better!
It sounds like you are having a frustrating time. Different environments can change your exposure to dust mites and other allergens. Your house may have had better air flow, different humidity, hard wood floors instead of carpets, fewer places for dust mites to live or other environmental differences. Smelling bleach can be an irritant to your lungs which can make them more vulnerable to allergens which are breathed in.
Your condo may have other irritants whcih are making you more vulnerable to the dust mites- carpeting, certain types of paneling which contain formaldehyde or other noxious glues, a different pattern or less air circulation, a source of mold or mildew in the bathrooms or kitchen that you haven't identified, can all change your vulnerability and exposure.
The website below discusses many environmental changes you can make including getting mattress covers. pulling up carpets, getting an air purifier etc. You may want to read through and see which ones make sense for you.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dust-mites/DS00842
Additionally, you may want to get the input of an internist or a pulmonologist about whether you have any other risk factors for overreactive lungs. Have you or any one you live with been smoking such that you have had long term exposure to active or passive smoke which is now catching up with you. Do you or have you had any occupational exposures? Is there any other reason to suspect lung disease or heart disease which is affecting your breathing?
You may also want to discuss with you allergist whether you would benefit from desensitizing allergy shots. If these are effective they should decrease your symptoms and eliminate the need for at least some of your medications.
Try to keep a log of your breathing symptoms and what you were doing and where you were when they occurred. You may get some insight into the triggers which you can then try to avoid.
