2 week long Asthma related issue. Still unwell and right lung feels heavy / blocked.

[Leif123]

Hi guys,

My name's Leif. First time poster.

Im a 29 year old.

I had a big exacerbation in 7 months ago and almost died.

Now recently 2 weeks ago I went to hospital for my breathing. I was admitted to hospital after my peak flow was 150 (normally 420+).

They pumped me with Ventolin every 4 hours, 6 puffs via spacer.

In addition gave me pred and montaleucast to take daily. During that time my lungs and chest felt extremely heavy and painful.

I've back home now and have been resting, the heavyness is finally gone but I've noticed I still have small flare ups where it feels like I can't take a deep breathe but I try to be calm and lay down and it seems to go away.

At the moment it also feels like my right lung isn't getting as much air into it as the left one. It's a weird feeling and I don't feel comfortable sleeping on my side at the moment because of this.

I'm also clearing my throat quite frequently.

Finding it difficult to do simple things like unload and load the dishwasher or hang up clean clothes and cannot leave the house. Standing for too long tires me out as well.

After that type of "exercise" I need to rest as it definitely agitates my symptoms and gives my lung a slight burning feeling as well, possibly due to being overworked?

My question is,

Are these symptoms normal after a serious asthma attack? I've been recovering for 2 weeks now and not really showing a huge improvement which worries me.

I still can't even do light tasks without feels breathless, slight burning / pain in chest.

Can't stand for more than 10 minutes.

Can't sleep on my side, have to sit up in bed.

I'm a little bit concerned I guess, that I won't get back to normal and it's a bit worrying.

Any reassurance is appreciated.

[strongmouse]

Sounds like you have had a really tough time. If your recent severe asthma was related to a virus infection then it can take several weeks to regain energy.

The pain in your side and when you take a deep breath sounds concerning and I'd get it checked by a doctor. That's the only way to tell if it is clear. Did they check (listen) to your lungs before they sent you home from hospital?

I presume they put you on montekulast for allergy - do you know what you are allergic to? Only reason I ask is that you need to avoid, as far as possible an allergens e.g. moulds, dust mites. Allergy UK has information about asthma attacks and when to call a doctor including advice about an Asthma Action Plan - asthma.org.uk/advice/manage...

Hope you feel better soon.

[digdig123]

Do you have pneumonia?

[Helliwell]

It sounds like you're really going through it. I'm also recovering from an attack (not quite as bad) and went back in to A&E last night because I was struggling with the breathlessness. Everything was fine, it's just part of the recovery process (fatigued), but they said to come in whenever I needed to. I've also lined up appointments with the doctor and the asthma nurse, to check progress and for reassurance.

Like you, I have tried to do basic tasks around the house but had to lie down after feeling breathless and dizzy. I have accepted that the more I push myself the longer this will go in for. So I'm embracing this down time, accepting any help given and giving my body time to get back to its normal self.

It's frustrating and hard but you'll get through it.

With the throat clearing, do you have reflux? My reflux can irritate my throat/chest and I've noticed it gets worse with steriods.

[Matman]

You may have an infection on top of your Asthma. That could account for the ‘Throat Clearing’ (Post Nasal Drip).

Although most infections seem to be Viral (which antibiotics can’t generally influence / treat), some are Bacteria (which they can treat).

I’d consider asking your GP if you should have a course of Antibiotics just in case. You did not mention having already having a course.

Given the severity of your earlier attack, you might also ask for a Sputum Test that might help detect any infection.

Maybe you came off the Oral Steroids too soon, or too suddenly without tapering down. If you’re feeling very poorly you might ask about gong back on them again. If so, you might also still want the antibiotics while your on Oral Steroids as - while on Pred - your immune system is weaker, which means any existing infection might get worse, or you could get a new infection.

I’m guessing you’re on a Preventer Inhaler too. If not, perhaps you ought to be, maybe a Combo Inhaler that delivers both an Inhaled Steroid and a LABA. Even if just for a short period.

Feel better soon.