Hi – Just been diagnosed with Asthma - A couple of questions.

[hughsaints]

I had a cough for a couple of months, felt fine (99%) but still coughed, so went to the GP – a few appointments later I was sent to the nurse for an asthma test just as the cough was getting better. I was surprised I had asthma. I had childhood asthma with no problems and I am fit person who is always outside. I have been given a reliever inhaler but never had any problems. Has anyone else been in similar situation? When should I take the inhaler? Is it ok to take before bed? - Been reading around on internet - I do sleep really bad / wake up - no coughing though

Any comments / answers welcome - will discuss the above at next appointment but interested in other peoples experience.

[hypercat54]

It is common for childhood asthma to return in later life and it doesn't matter how fit you are you can still have it. There are many famous sports people who have asthma and with treatment can keep it under control.

As for when you take it didn't you get any instructions from the nurse/doctor and aren't there any on the packet? Basically a reliever is taken as and when you need it ie if you feel breathless or wheezing a lot. If you aren't then maybe you don't really need it much yet?

I was diagnosed with asthma in my very early 30's and triggered off (but not caused by) smoking. I was given a reliever but didn't really need it or only used it rarely for several years then it did become necessary and I got a preventer as well. I do take one puff before bed as I have found lying down can bring on wheezing and coughing.

You can also ask your pharmacist too if you are not sure as they are the experts on drugs. x

[hughsaints in reply to hypercat54]

Cheers for the reply - appreciated - May be i dont need the reliever that much - never really felt breathless for no reason (usual reasons i.e running up a hill / exersise). As mentioned surprised with diagnosis

[lakelover in reply to hughsaints]

Hi

You sound like me! I neither feel breathless nor wheeze but can cough for England when my asthma is playing up. So to add to what hypercat54 wrote, you may need your reliever if you have a coughing fit. I am on a preventer & hardly ever need my reliever, but just occasionally, for no reason that I can see, I start coughing & then I sometimes struggle to take a breath as there's no time between coughs, so I need to take my reliever. I hardly get any of the first dose, just enough to help a little, but the second dose really does the trick & I stop coughing.

[Superzob]

I was diagnosed with late onset asthma after a string of incessant winter colds. I found that taking one puff of Ventolin and Beconase nasal spray (which I use in summer for hay fever)at night helps keeps the colds at bay (they might not really be colds and are a peculiar side-effect of the asthma). I wonder whether doing something similar yourself might help you sleep better, in case the disturbance is caused by the underlying asthma?

[Verenaandjosie]

Hi, I had a cough for 7 months it started when living in a damp rental house and I was sued it was triggered by mould. GP insisted I had a virus (for 7 months). Two years later I immediately started coughing after exposure to mouldy hay. Got a referral to a respiratory consultant and was diagnosed with an allergy to fungal spores. Just a thought that could you possibly have an allergic cause? I’m now fine if I avoid close contact with hay and stay in a dry house! Hope you feel better soon.