Breathlessness

[GeorgieM]

Hi, I am new to this forum so not really sure how things work. I have had asthma for as long as I can remember (I am 32 now) but for the last five days I have been extremely breathless with the usual tightness of the chest. The breathlessness doesn't seem to be improving I can't even walk from one side of the room to the other without having to sit down. I really don't think the weather helps! Any advice anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated.

[Minushabens]

Do you have a management plan? Have you tried doubling your preventer if that's allowed?

Have you taken any peak flow readings?

[GeorgieM]

Yes I have doubled up on normal dosage of Symbicort as well as taking extra blue Ventolin inhaler. Peak flow is reading at 250 - it's normally between 400 and 450.

[Minushabens in reply to GeorgieM]

That's a very big peak flow drop. Have you been to the docs?

[GeorgieM]

Not yet, heading there tomorrow - not looking forward to what the doc has to say.

[Minushabens in reply to GeorgieM]

I think that's your best bet really. They might give you steroids. It could be the weather setting it off as you say but hopefully they will get you sorted.

[GeorgieM]

Yeah that's what I thought I had steroids a few weeks ago because I had a flare up. I just hate the side effects!! My asthma seems particularly bad this year. Thanks for your reply.

[gaynorlouise in reply to GeorgieM]

I've only been recently diagnosed with asthma and had 2 lots of steroids. I hated them and the side effects the first time round but they made such a difference with my breathlessness last time that I'm learning to appreciate the need for them. The weather is so bad at the moment and can't see it getting any better. My GP gave me quite a low dose but they worked so well and didn't make me feel as rubbish in comparison to the high dose the hospital gave me. Hope you're feeling better soon.