Will the need to clear my throat go?

[Limefime]

I have been struggling to keep my CVA under control this past month. Saw the asthma nurse yesterday (earliest appointment I could get). She changed my preventer from Clenil Modulite to a MART inhaler, Fostair (beclometasone and formoterol). I used it last night and had an uninterrupted night's sleep. Hooray!

The cough is also gone this morning, apart from a constant need to clear my throat. This varies from a slight ahem to a short sharp cough, every now and then.

Will this tickle in my throat get better the longer I use the new inhaler?

Side note: The nurse (a different one from who I normally see) asked me to have my heart checked as she thinks it may not be asthma but cardio issues. Apparently post-menopausal women often develop heart issues and since my mum has angina, there is an increased risk. My PB PF is way higher than predicted for my age (550 vs 417) and my current PF is between 450 and 500. I am fit (gym 5x a week and have started walking 30 mins a day too) so that can explain my high PF.

I know it is daft, but now I am wondering if the inhaler really works. The cough is gone but there is this lingering tickle in the throat. Is it normal or does it mean the inhaler isn't doing what it should (ie I don't really have asthma)?

[S4r4L0u153]

Having seen an allergy specialist who has got my allergic rhinitis under control, the need to constantly clear my throat has ceased (unless I’m triggered off by an allergen) . I was constantly clearing it before. She said in getting my nose under control my chest would follow, and she was right. Hope that helps. x

[Limefime in reply to S4r4L0u153]

Hi S4r4L0u153

I think it makes perfect sense to get the nose/sinuses under control. I don't suffer from sinusitis or hayfever (though it is prevalent in my family - dad suffered quite a bit with sinusitis and brother with severe hayfever). I suspect I may have post nasal drip - even though I don't have the "dripping" feeling, I do have constant mucus in the back of my throat.

I read somewhere on this forum that nasal rinses may help. I bought NeilMed Sinus Rinse from Boots and have used it twice now. It is a rather odd sensation and weird to have water spouting from my nose at odd moments in the period after rinsing. 😂 I am not sure if it does anything yet... but it is early days.

[S4r4L0u153 in reply to Limefime]

I hope the rinses help to resolve your problem. Best wishes, Sara

[Oldandgray]

I also have CVA and after six weeks was changed from Clinel to Forstar. Still coughing in the morning but mucus is less. Told it would take at least one week to see any change and up to three weeks for new puffer to work and may feel worse before better.

I’m pleased that the new puffer has worked so well for you.

The mucus in the throat is a real pain in the morning but each evening I feel great. The only time I haven’t coughed was during the time on prednisone!

[Limefime in reply to Oldandgray]

Dear Oldandgray

It is reassuring to know that there is bound to be improvement over time. The cough is already WAY better but not completely gone yet... But at least my chest muscles is getting a rest. No more constant coughing!

Hope you get the mucus sorted soon. I am trying nasal rinses to see if it'll help!

[utkmybrthawy]

I love these posts; so informative. But I dread the acronyms. CVA...PB...PBF....PF. Sigh. They are in literally every post. I've only recently become disabled by "adult onset" athsma, so don't know any of these. When I go to the doctor, he barely takes his hand off the doorknob; doesn't explain anything. (Healthcare in America). I get more information her, despite the acronyms. Reading these posts assure me I'm probably not dying anytime soon. It just feels like it. D.

[Limefime in reply to utkmybrthawy]

Hi D

Don't worry, you'll pick up the abbreviations soon. I am very new to asthma myself and I am throwing them about as if second nature already! 😊

CVA = cough variant asthma

PB = personal best

PF = peak flow

PBF = no idea! Maybe personal best flow?

MART = maintenance and relief treatment

Hope that helps.

I couldn't agree more that this is a VERY useful forum, with people being so friendly and helpful.

[utkmybrthawy in reply to Limefime]

THANK YOU!!!

[utkmybrthawy in reply to utkmybrthawy]

I'm guessing GP is general practitioner? And- Are most of these folks in Brittain? I'm in California.

[Limefime in reply to utkmybrthawy]

Yes, GP is general practitioner.

I have no idea where most people are from, but quite likely the UK as it is the Asthma UK forum? But thank goodness there is no limit to joining in in the conversations - not geographically nor ito how much one knows about asthma!

[Smoggy1990Boggy in reply to utkmybrthawy]

Asthma U.K. are a lifeline to so many with asthma they have this forum, a free helpline staffed by nurse specialists, an email and What’sapp service too. So in that respect we are lucky over here. The nurses are a god send.

[utkmybrthawy]

Right! And I get a glimpse into UK Healthcare. (I'm not too happy with my fellow Americans right now anyway : ) ) You are wonderful; thanks again. I feel not so alone.

[Limefime in reply to utkmybrthawy]

This forum has been my absolute mainstay when I had my very first attack about a month ago. I felt lost, ignorant and panicky. People have been so kind, offering advice that has been invaluable in helping me decide what to do!

I know you'll get the same support and love! I am actually pretty new to the forum myself (joined beginning Oct, so just slabout a month). If one can private message or tag people, please feel free to contact me if you just need to chat. I won't offer advice (completely clueless with things medical) but I have a good ear!