I'm looking for preventative advice to minimise asthma related problems and infections.... can you help?

[Wheezebag13]

Hey Up...I'm a newbie and on a mission. I stumbled across this site whilst googling for help and advice and it looks mighty supportive. Basically I was diagnosed with asthma at 24 (now 52). I also have scoliosis which affects my lung capacity (which is currently at 30%) but I am a "glass half full very positive person" and try to stick my heels in against illness. Although I've just had a reality check by being admitted to hospital on Christmas Eve with pneumonia. Because of my lung restriction my peak flow is lower and used to be around 250 but of late my highest is currently 150 (on admittance it was 100). I, like us all, am very prone to chest infections and this is the second admittance I've experienced and the infections appear to be getting more severe and taking longer to get rid of, the scarring of my lungs is a worry. So I'm all about preventative and improving my vulnerability. I was discharged being prescribed with an additional preventative drug called Montelukast, something I had never heard of (and will take that up with my docs and asthma nurse because surely they could have recommended it). Whilst in hospital a fellow asthma sufferer told me about "Omalizumab". Has anyone else tried this? Or can anyone recommend any other preventative treatment available which has proved successful. On discharge I asked the respiratory nurse, sister and doc if I could have a neubiliser at home because it gave me the best relief but they advised against it as misuse can cause heart rate problems. I wouldn't misuse it so I'm going to speak with my GP. Has anyone got their own neubiliser? Just for info my current regular medication is 400mg Symbicort (2 × 2 puffs a day) and Ventolin (2 x 2 puffs daily) and more when required), and have rescue steroids (which I am on at the moment). Sorry for this essay but, like us all, I really want to try and keep my symptoms under control and prevent future hospital admittance. Thank you for reading and hope 2018 is a healthier year for us all love a fellow Wheezebag xx

[gamba]

Sorry to hear you’ve been so unwell this winter - I think a lot of us can relate to that, it seems that there are a million bugs about!

I’m laid up at the moment but find that yoga, plenty of fresh air, fresh fruit and veg, not drinking alcohol, getting enough sleep, avoiding stress etc etc helps a lot. Easier said than done sometimes (most of the time!)

[Wheezebag13 in reply to gamba]

Yes not doing alot at the moment mainly resting and sleeping. I usually attend Pilates which helps my breathing and also thinking of starting tai chai for relaxation and mindfulness. I'm going to look at changing my lifestyle a bit too as I am very much a "do'er" and need to delegate more. Time will tell .... thank you

[Hidden]

Hi, I'm 64 and had allergy triggered asthma all my life. I have just started using a Himalayan salt inhaler (or salt pipe) and can feel the benefit. Have a look online, there's no one size fits all with asthma but see what you think, people that have used it give overwhelmingly positive feedback. If you decide to give it a go I understand ceramic inhaler is better than plastic. I hope you get some relief soon.

[Wheezebag13 in reply to Hidden]

Hiya I've thought about Himalayan Salt and put off in case they are fakes, but never heard of a pipe before, which website did you buy yours from? as it sounds intriguing and would be willing to give it a go... thank you

[Hidden]

Hi, I got mine on ebay (ceramic inhaler), they are also on amazon. Holland & barrett do a plastic salt pipe but I have heard ceramic is preferable. Sea (salt) air has always been known to be good for respiratory conditions so it adds up.

[Hidden]

ps the one I bought is item number 152393025410 on ebay UK

[Wheezebag13 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I'll have a look or move to the seaside 😁😎

[Hidden]

Love the sea!!

[jezthorp]

Without meaning to be unsociable to others, at this time of year i try to avoid public transport as a bus full of people is a bus full of bugs. I developed pneumonia last year after a combination of colds. I know its not always possible but just try to avoid the crowds.

Get out in the fresh air if you can, a positive attitude like yourself helps. I like to think that "there is always somebody worse off than me so i have no right to moan"

Think i may try the salt pipe

Happy new ( healthier ) New Year

[Wheezebag13 in reply to jezthorp]

Hi, I rarely use public transport but my biggest problem is germs in the office where I work with 6 other people and avoiding their coughs and splutters is a challenge cos not everybody is hygienic when they are full of cold. (I have antibacterial gel permentally on my desk 😉). We compromise with the windows being opened and shut as I prefer the fresh air and some like the heat. (thinking of wear a mask 😷😁). But I think after this reality check I'm hoping they'll be more aware and consider me when they are germ infested 😲. "There is always someone worse off" is one of my all time favs because there is. I just want to help myself and live a better quality of life. Let's hope the salt pipe gives us both relief... watch this space.... Thank you

[gingerbiscuits]

Hi there, despite being told in A&e on Boxing Day I could do with one , I too was told by GP not to get a nebuliser on the NHS (but you can buy them), I was told by a physiotherapist I know that you can also use saline in them to inhale as the salt helps loosen the phlegm. They have got portable nebulisers on sale on Lidl this week, so bought one, will try the saline solution in it. My Symbicort was changed to Fostair last week, but not seen much of a rise in PF. I’ve returned to exercising this week, just about killed me, but felt better for it! Hopefully you will start to improve soon :).

[Wheezebag13 in reply to gingerbiscuits]

Hi, thanks for that I'll have a look at the Lidl one and give it a go and will mention fostair when I go for my asthma review in a couple if weeks 🤞😁

[Anniecath]

Hi, sorry to hear about your problems. I've had asthma since a baby, am now 63. Struggled for many years but eventually found what works for me. Qvar, Serevent and Montelucast with rescue inhaler Ventolin. This combination came about after much toing and froing and trying different drugs. I have had less infections since being on the Montelucast but it dosn't suit everyone. I'm afraid its a case of trial and error as no one mix fits all. Needless to say my surgery keeps trying to get me to change my medication ! I say if it aint broke don't fix it. I hope that you get sorted out and soon.

[Wheezebag13 in reply to Anniecath]

Hi, we all seem to struggle to find what suits us and am sorry it has taken so long for you to get your medications settled. I have tried serevent but it didn't suit me but will certainly mention Qvar to my GP as I haven't heard of it before. I have only been taking Montelukast for a week but my PF has improved, although being on steroids at the moment may not be giving a true reading to see if Montelkast is being effective. Onwards and upwards. Thank you and let's hope we have a healthier 2018