Asthma questions

[MissDuke]

Hi all

I had a bad flu back in April immediately followed by a chest infection. I haven't felt 100% since, and haven't been able to regularly return to the gym. As soon as I start to exercise I cough and struggle with breathing.

I went to the GP again about it in July, and was given a blue inhaler and a peak flow meter. I was told to keep a record of results and return in a couple of months. I go back in a couple of weeks, but thought I may aswell ask you guys first as I think my GP may not be too well clued in. He said that it is normal to have asthma symptoms for months after a chest infection, without actually having asthma. Is this true? I would LOVE to not have asthma, but also don't want it being missed if I do. He said the inhaler will help but it will all clear up after a few months most likely.

My peak flow is normally about 300-350 when I get up in the morning, and in the evening. However after each puff on the inhaler (most I have used is 4) it gradually increases to around 450, 500 max (only got 500 once). I have had a cough throughout this time though, so if it is a lingering chest infection/cold would that influence the peak flow readings?

There is no family history of asthma or allergies, so it isn't something I have ever considered a possibility that I could have.

Hi MissD

This is how I developed asthma - no family history of asthma, sibling has some allergies though. I had a bad chest infection - which started nearly 4 years ago. And it lingered on and on and on. I kept going to Dr and being referred to hosp - was tested for blood clot/pneumonia/anything and everything! Eventually asthma was suggested!

It is possible sadly. Feel free to ask any questions.

Asthma is a condition not a disease - so really all the word does is describe the state of someone's lungs and indicates what treatments will help it. If that helps? I was diagnosed with late onset asthma in my late 50's much to my shock (persistent cough after a cold which went on for a few years - yes I know, I know!). The consultant I saw basically said if it looks like asthma and responds to asthma treatment then it's classified as asthma.

I now take a preventer inhaler morning and evening (brown) and carry the blue but have only used it about twice in the last few years. Have you seen this page with useful links onwards. www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Asthma/Pages/Treatment.aspx

Knowing how much better my breathing is now (and aware of the impact of being a bit lax in using the preventer ) I would say take whatever they offer in terms of treatment and see if it works.

Thanks for the replies, sorry lost the thread so missed them! Had to google it there to find it! Thanks for the links catsrus, will look through them now. Have doctors appointment on Tuesday so will reply again with what happens at it.

I have been keeping a close eye on peak flow, and find it always increases by 50-100 after taking the blue inhaler, which appears to be indicative of asthma? I feel very overwhelmed at the thoughts of it, silly really I know.

Thanks again for replies.

I understand how overwhelming it is. I was where you are 4years ago. Here if you need anything. :)

I never suffered from asthma until I moved to the UK and caught headcold after headcold as my immune system adjusted. I caught pneumonia as a result which left me with asthma that returns only when I get a headcold. Otherwise, I wouldn't regard myself as asthmatic.

If you are still coughing, ask his opinion on a short (5 day) course of prednisone. For me, this knocks the inflammation on the head and I return to normal.

Stop spamming the boards. Juice Plus regularly try and do this.

Ignore the poster.

yep speak to the dr.
I and dc have mild allergic asthma. usually no steroids are neded for us, but as a rule of thumb the nurse said if you need to use the salbutamol inhaler more than 3 days in a row a steroid (brown inhaler or nose spray) is needed in addition to curb the inflammation. this is really important as permanent inflammation can leave scars in the bronchs and those can really pose a problem long term (copd and such)

Thanks guys for the replies! The doctor diagnosed asthma based on my peak flow records over two weeks, and the wheeze in my chest. I was under the impression I would have had a spirometry test? Is this not necessary?

I have the brown and blue inhaler now, and am still monitoring the peak flow. He told me to go back in 3 weeks for a review. To be honest I was still in denial until tonight, I went out for a bike ride and was very wheezy - which continued for a good half hour after I got home.

Giraffe lovely to see you post, I was skimming over the huge wheezy thread and spotted your name on there, how are you doing now?

Thanks to those who reporter the spammer.

Hiya :)

Yes I can't remember my exact user name 4 years ago but if you advance search the words giraffes and asthma a lot comes up with my diagnosis and all the good advice I was given then.

In truth I am not good now, my asthma has got a lot worse, now "brittle asthma" and I currently have pleurisy. But brittle asthma is rare.

Does the blue inhaler help? I think they pretty much can diagnose from symptoms and if certain meds help. A spiro test is always useful though but often won't show much if you aren't having symptoms - depends on type of asthma etc. My spiro can often be good!

Didn't want to bombard you with info before but it is worth charting periods and seeing if you notice a link. Mine is very hormone related.

Funnily enough Giraffe yday and today I have been feeling much worse and I happen to have my period now. I will give that charting a go, thanks.

Feeling wheezy and short of breath, took 3 puffs of the blue inhaler which hasn't helped yet, now feeling shaky and not keen on taking more yet. It usually helps quite quickly.

Sorry to hear things are so bad with you now :-( I will have a good search for the previous threads, the one I was looking at was old but had giraffe in your name in some way or another, so I 'recognised' you lol x