Tips for dealing with asthma flare up?

[SunshineBossaNova]

I've been coughing for the last couple of days, and I was coughing all last night. I'm sure I don't have a chest infection, it might be a virus.

I'm breathing okay but the coughing is quite scary and stopped me from sleeping.

I've got a humidifier and was thinking of sleeping upright tonight to help. Are there any other things I should be doing?

[ChestyTheSnowman]

I've had antibiotics and steroids for a chest infection and related asthma flare up. Finished mess but asthma not back to normal, coughing and bit wheezy.

I've doubled my preventer and taking reliever more often. Making sure I take ventolin before bed helps and making sure inhalers are close to hand.
Sleeping wellsupported more upright helps.

Are you monitoring your peak flows? I find this the best indicator of when I need to see the GP.

[GothicRainbow]

If it gets particularly bad could your GP prescribe you some prednisone?

[SunshineBossaNova]

Chesty Thanks for the tip on the preventer. I've got my blue inhaler right next to me. I've also got more pillows for tonight.

I haven't monitored my peak flows for ages

Gothic if I'm still bad on Monday I'll see my GP. I'm hoping this will just pass.

[GothicRainbow]

Really hope it does pass. Just be careful with how much of your blue inhaler you take. I always know when my DH has taken too much as he gets the shakes and feels faint.

[SunshineBossaNova]

Thanks Gothic. I think the cough is going, I've only used my blue inhaler twice today and I slept much better.

[Interrobang]

Cut out dairy.

[ChestyTheSnowman]

How are you feeling today?

[Missymum6]

On experience with my oh I wouldn't have any flowers in the house, try not too use hair spray.. Oh also bleach makes him chesty..

[SunshineBossaNova]

Hi Interrobang I rarely eat or drink dairy but will bear that in mind.

Thanks Chesty I'm a bit better today thanks. I've still got the cold but my cough is far more intermittent. I've only used the blue inhaler once today.

Missy thanks for the tips.

[ImBatDog]

im the same, just finished my course of ABs and Pred after developing pleurisy along with it all, so just have my blue inhaler now.

Keep the air cool but not cold, plenty of fresh air circulating, reduce the amount of scented sprays, drink plenty, avoid dairy and especially chocolate.

If you have pets, make sure you hoover plenty, and also hoover around your bed/dust the headboard i'd also advise changing your bedding and sticking your pillow in the freezer for a couple of hours to reduce the dust mites

Reactive asthma when you have a coughy virus is a PITA!

[ChestyTheSnowman]

I've went to the walk in centre yesterday with quite bad right rib pain Bat
He just said thinks muscular from cough.

What were your symptoms for pleurisy?

[ImBatDog]

it hurts to breath basically... you cant do more than take shallow breaths because expanding your lungs hurt.

But i did also have issues with the muscles, especially around my sternum, that felt like someone was standing on my chest, almost like a crushing pain, together they made me feel like i was being slowly squeezed!