Asthmatics, I need advice

[trampoline123]

Hello,

Background is I have no history of asthma and I'm 38. My sis, mum and niece have it though.

I've had a cough since Christmas, had chest X-ray a few months ago which was clear.

Have been on steroids and a variety of antibiotics, a brown and blue inhaler over the past month and I'm still so breathless.

I was blowing 200 which improved to 300 over the course of a few weeks but feel I've got worse again as very breathless just walking or talking.

I have an asthma test early august but surely if I was asthmatic the inhalers would have helped by now?

Hi @trampoline123

I was diagnosed with asthma in Middle age and struggled to understand it. It's a bit weird at first ti understand!

It's basically inflammation in the lungs and you need to work out what's causing your personal reactions.

Call asthma U.K. as the nurses are extremely knowledgeable.

It may take you a couple of years to fully recognise your triggers; but you will and you'll work out your best plan.

This is my good time of year. I don't react to pollen at all and I like dry warm air. My friend is on steroids as privet pollen is her enemy. Mine is cold damp air, mould spores and particular cold viruses. And air pollution, air fresheners etc.

Anti histamines don't help me but a dual inhaler which has a long lasting version of the blue does.

You need clear plans for how to manage now and how to manage longer term. And they should be able to advise. The website is really good too.

What does an asthma attack feel like? Are there warning signs?

For me it can be feeling like someone is strangling me or a tight band around your chest. Sometimes you normalise the low level stuff. I cough a lot, others wheeze.

Sometimes you normalise the low level stuff. by which I mean you don't realise you're struggling.

Spend time noticing how much better you feel when the air is for what ever reason better or an anti histamine works or after a blue inhaler puff seems to have helped.

I can’t comment on the asthma, but as someone else said - DO get a prescription prepayment certificate, it’s an absolute boon and money-saver for those of us needing multiple prescriptions frequently .

I hope you can get on top of the asthma , it sounds rubbish

I'll echo that using a spacer was a game changer for me; I was pretty lax with my inhaler technique and sitting down and making time to use my onhaler properly really helped. I take Montelukast as well. Another factor for me is hormones; at certain times of the month I had more lung mucus; since the menopause my asthma has improved a lot, but will still flare up at certain times- how long does it take for hormones to settle after the menopause?! My asthma nurse agreed they are a factor in asthma.

And definitely get a pre payment certificate! I used to struggle to pay for my meds, it's a real help.

What dose of the brown preventer are you on? Are you on 50mg per puff or 100?

Moving our DD up from 200 Clenil a day (2 puffs of 50mg morning and evening) to 400 (same routine but with 100mg) has been a game changer.

I've been up down preventers over my life, often going up to a purple one for a couple of months after a bad illness causing a flare, then going back down again

Yes spacer is an absolute must.

Quite a few idiot people around me seem to think I'm being ott with that (son is also asthmatic) but research has proven it's a lot better.

Asthma U.K. are fab, just give them a ring.

My friend is an asthma nurse and it was the first thing she told me to do.

Thanks all. I think I'll call the asthma helpline after my appt tomorrow.

I do use a spacer, but maybe I still need to work on my technique.

Also got a pre paid prescription before my appt last week and it paid for itself and more just from that!

Just had my check up and my peak flow is worse and 200. Said there's nothing more she can try and said I should go to hospital for a chest X-ray and specimen test on the phlegm...

I'd still give asthma U.K. a ring - it could be youve a stubborn infection and maybe allergy mush. The X-ray helps them work out what's what.

Oh no horrible when you can’t breathe properly, wheezing and coughing. I was diagnosed with asthma age 38.

I need antihistamines in the Summer. My triggers are very high or low temperatures, strong perfumes fragranced candles etc and react v badly to carpet glue and some varnish/ adhesives. For clarity not sniffing!! 🙈 reaction to them in my school workplace. Smoke ( cigarette, fireworks and neighbours log burners) triggers too.

Sounds like you are struggling all the time the moment. When it is under control try to identify any triggers. Has anything changed in your environment at all?
My chest is much better when I am near the sea.

You can buy salt pipes and some people use salt lamps but not sure about research. A facial steamer might help clear your chest at night.
Some really good advice on here thanks everyone.
You are doing well to see someone ( sounds like you need to) my checks are still via phone!

That's a good idea my asthma nurse booker an x-ray for me at the local hospital once. You may have silent pneumonia as my mother once did. It was in the lower quadrant. She's asthmatic too

Thanks all for replying and for your valued advice.

I've fought an autoimmune disease for 13 years, had life changing surgery last year and now I'm battling this - feeling a bit frustrated and fed up today.