Advice from those who know!!

[Cakelady74]

hello! Used this site before for other help matters and you have all been wonderful so I expect the same again!!! 😂 i suffer from anxiety which is being dealt with but makes everything occasionally get 'out of proportion'. I had the obligatory December cold which left a cough which the doctor decided to put me back on my inhalers for (clenil, dark brown one 2 puffs twice a day) plus reliever (blue one). After not having had then for a number of years, could somebody set my mind at rest. I do appreciate that i am nowhere near as poorly as some of you so please don't be offended by my minor symptoms! 1) is it normal to feel a bit shaky after inhalers? 2) any tips on dealing with the bresthlessness, i find it scary which obviously leads to it feeling worse, 3) do any of you feel a bit dizzy or light headed 4) i feel a bit shivery, no temperature, is this a symptom or anxiety based? Any other tips/ advice / reassurances most gratefully received.... Thank you x

[starveycat]

Sometimes you can feel a bit shaky no problems. Breathlessness try breathing through your nose and out through the mouth with pursed lips. Or breathe through the nose and notice how cold the air is going in and warm when breathe out sounds daft but if you are concentrating on that it helps calm you. If course you feel anxious asthma is a #:*/$ my doc told me I'm special so you must be as well gentle hugs

[Cakelady74 in reply to starveycat]

thank you, what kind words. Glad we are special!!!! Nose is a bit blocked as well, but that's getting better with saline spray. Will definitely try breathing techniques.... Just hearing from someone is reassuring

[Atom1 in reply to Cakelady74]

I had a really blocked nose for several weeks when I started cleaning. Once my body got used to it,that improved.

Found nasal strips to use at night helped.(breathe easy).

[Atom1 in reply to Atom1]

I mean clenil

[emmasue]

Don't feel bad about asking. This is a place for advice, no matter what your symptoms are like. I also suffer from anxiety, but I think because I have always had asthma, I don't seem to feel anxious about my symptoms except when I am trying to decide when to seek help (I get anxious going to the doctor or hospital). As for your questions, yes I often feel shaky with the inhalers. I get so shaky some times that I drop things. My GP said it's nothing to worry about. With breathlessness, it is important to use your inhalers. If you feel that your inhalers aren't helping, I would go back to your GP. Yes, I do get dizzy and lightheaded sometimes, especially if I am exhausted. With feeling shivery, I am not as sure. You may be coming down with something. However, I'm not entirely sure.

I have found over years of suffering that the best thing is to keep on top of your symptoms. Keep a Peek Flow diary where you can also note exacerbations and when you've had to take extra medication like antibiotics or steroids. Also include triggers if you can figure them out. This way, you can see over time how your symptoms are effecting you and can take it to your GP/Asthma Nurse/Consultant to help you decide how best to treat your condition. I find that taking control of your situation relieves some of the anxiety. It may not reduce it entirely, but knowing where you stand and knowing your body and how it reacts can release a lot of uncertainty. Good luck. Hope you feel better soon.

[Cakelady74 in reply to emmasue]

hi, thank you!! wise kind words! Think the shivery thing might have been more anxiety driven... Thinking back, i got breathless and light headed, i panicked a bit before reaching for inhalers and breathing properly etc, which in turn made me feel nauseous which then made me shivery. My mind is at peace with that diagnosis, so we'll go with it. 😂 it's just helpful to hear that its 'normal' and 'ordinary' to have these symptoms as that instantly takes the anxiety out of the situation....

[emmasue in reply to Cakelady74]

Glad I could be of some help. I know what it's like to just need someone to just care. I hope you feel better soon. xxx

[Cakelady74 in reply to emmasue]

bless you. X

[Minushabens]

Inhalers can absolutely leave you with a bit of a 'nervy' shake - I get minor heart flutters all the time & have for years, & my hands are ridiculously shaky all the time.

In terms of dealing with breathlessness, I guess we all find our own strategies; from sitting still to hobbies (I try to play chess online, for example, to take my mind off it) or getting some fresh air. Just see what works for you & remember it will pass.

Dizziness again can be asthma-related, as you aren't getting all the oxygen you need. However, it might be worth just checking your pulse rate as well to check there's nothing else going on & perhaps mention it to your GP/nurse.

Finally, I'd also say yes shivers are an issue for lots of people - again probably just linked to low energy levels, etc.

Hopefully, these things will subside for you, but as always with any symptoms, if they are hanging around more than you think they should, or are causing you issues day-to-day, get them checked out.

Good luck, try not to worry too much, & I hope you soon feel better

[Cakelady74 in reply to Minushabens]

hi, thank you. Hadn't thought of the energy levels and shivers, makes absolute sense. Felt all 'done in' so energy was low! So far today it has been much better, i think that's because of all the advice from you guys. Helps to hear we are all in the same boat to some extent.