Brittle Asthma

Can Brittle asthma turn to moderate asthma its just my asthma has been really moderate for the past 5 month and was wondering if its possible I may not have brittle asthma anymore or am I just wishfull thinking many thanks in advance xxxxxxx

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Hi Kerry-anne,

I'm glad to hear that things have been better for you recently - it's always good to hear a good news story! I do hope things continue to improve.

Brittle asthma can fluctuate over the years - many people have very good periods where things are relatively well controlled, and a small number of people experience what seems to be a permanent improvement in their condition. Obviously, changes in medication and better avoidance of triggers can also make a difference to your overall condition.

I have had brittle asthma - Type I and II - for about 12 years, and experienced a very good period for about 3 years, from 2002 - 2005. During this time, I was able to work more than full time as a junior doctor, and got down to a very low level of medication, just inhalers and occasional courses of oral steroids at one point. Things did eventually deteriorate again, but I made the most of the good time and thoroughly enjoyed both work and the other things I was able to do with my improved health. None of my doctors were really able to tell me why things had got so much better, or whether they would get worse again, but a couple of consultants commented that this kind of remission is not unheard of in brittle asthma, and can sometimes be permanent. Sadly, in my case it wasn't, but that doesn't mean that it never is.

I would raise this with your consultant, if I were you - as you are so much better, it may be that you will be able to cautiously start reducing medication slightly (NEVER do this without close consultation with your doctor - it could be extremely dangerous). As someone with brittle asthma, you will always be at higher risk of bad attacks than someone who has never experienced them, but it may still be possible to control your symptoms on less medication. Even if it is only for a time, any time off medications such as oral steroids will have long term benefits.

I do hope you carry on being well, and do make the most of it and enjoy it!

Take care

Em H

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Many thanks fory your reply Emily. Heres hoping this is the start of me getting back to work. The last time i seen my con I told him how well my asthma was doing but he wanted to keep me on all the same meds this was around 4 weeks ago. Im not saying its been perfect but instead of needing my neb 2x daily ive maybe needed it 2-3x weekly and only had steriods twice in 5 month. Ive been able to go out without panicking before i get to my front door and only used salbutamol 5-6x daily I know this may sound like im not doing so well but as other brittle asthmatics including yourself know this can be seen as not so bad for some of us so fingers crossed heres hoping xxxxxxxx

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It is possible to stabalise once you get your meds right. I'm proof! No hospital admissons since Dec and no nebs for over a month!

Well done and stay positive but don't push it to reduce meds or rush into overdoing it esp as you are still needing ventolin just enjoy feeling better

Marmite

(who staying positive despite lurking pond life!)

[KateMoss]

I call it a steady state of instability!

Kate