Feeling tired

[Wendy19]

I have had asthma for 20 years. I would say it is controlled well and I know my own asthma well. I only ever have a flair up when I have a chest infection, however 3 weeks ago I started with symptoms so took a rescue pack of steroids. I have been to see thr GP Nd had another course unfortuately I ended up in hospital for a couple of days. This was a week ago. Over the course of this week, my symptoms hAve started to return, shortness of breath, waking in the night coughing, in addition no appetitie and I am so tired. I went back to work today as I don’t want to take more time off. I only did half a day and then slept all afternoon. I am seeing my asthma murse tomorrow.

Is it normal for recovery to take this long after an attack?

[Tracey1972]

Hi yea it can weeks I’m afraid I’m in hospital now and I’m on 40mg a day

[Wheezycat]

I may be a bit like you that generally my asthma is OK, bar some minor stuff, but I do flare with a cold. I need a minimum of a couple of weeks before I am properly better, and as for what I will call psychic energy for want of a better word - enough energy to engage with reading, serious discussions and such - it can take a lot longer. I am learning to accept it.

[Hidden]

Like you and Wheezycat my asthma is usually well controlled. However, if I go down with an infection which causes my asthma to flare it can take a while for things to calm down. I’m currently recovering from a cold (not a particularly heavy one either, just uncomfortable and annoying) which I went down with about three weeks ago. I’ve still got a cough (which is getting better very gradually) but it is persistent and I’m absolutely certain it’s caused by the remnants of mucous settling on my lungs during the night resulting in a cough which is definitely worse in the morning as my lungs try to expel the stuff. My asthma is flaring as a result - not badly, but enough to make its presence felt. I am more sensitive to certain triggers which has resulted in me reaching for the ventolin, something that I rarely have to do. Last time this happened it took four weeks for everything to settle down even though I was taking things easy.

[Wendy19]

Thanks all, seeing my asthma nurse at 11, hopefully she can review my meds. I feel I need it under control before I can recover.

[PaulRosedene]

I have had asthma for 50 years. My asthma is generally well controlled. I had a flare up recently after working for 20 days in care home which had a resident dog. This was my first position after changing career so was determined to work for as long as possible.

I was very tired whilst working in the care home and for at least two weeks after leaving. I believe that tiredness is a symptom of asthma. Sometimes I have to take time out and let my body recover from asthma by rest/sleep. This can disturb my sleeping pattern.

[Jewellzz]

Hi Wendy, would you be anywhere near the age of going through menopause? I have had a similar situation as you and have been told that this can happen due to your hormones fluctuating. Only my ventolin seems to help even though I am on preventatives.