Hi all hope everyone is well
Since all this covid stuff my anxiety has been sky high and I made a foolish error and started smoking again just as they was changing my inhaler, also had a phlegmy cough on and of for months now. I have noticed a bit of a dip in my peak flow and have noticed at the end of a normal breath now and then I get little crackle in my throat...is this a common asthma and smoking thing??
Stay safe everyone
It’s highly likely. I did read somewhere a while ago that smoking interferes with the steroid element in an inhaler - makes it less effective, so people who smoke often need a higher dose.
To be brutally frank you have increased your risk of a rougher ride if you're unfortunate to contract Covid-19. Smoking is on par with asthma when looking at early Chinese studies into factors that played a part in bad outcomes. So your coping strategy is making things riskier. And additional medication to address the results of smoking doesn't negate the risk factor of Covid-19.
Can you find another way to treat your anxiety? If you don't feel you want to try cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) or meditation, you could discuss with your GP the possibility of having a small daily dose of something like amitriptyline. It will help you sleep and address your anxiety.
If you can do so safely, go for a daily walk as we know exercise has a positive effect on our mood. That will also help your lung health.
When you talk to your GP you could discuss your aim to be phlegm free and how you can achieve that. You need your lungs to be in the best possible shape.
All the best.
I can’t add to what the other posters have said, except please try to stop smoking. Your GP should be able to help treat the anxiety.
Take care and best wishes.
It could well be connected and I agree with Poobah, this is the best time to start prioritising your lung health and relaxation. Please throw any remaining cigarettes away and consult some of the self-help info to help you quit again if needed: nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoki... It could be worth getting a phone appointment with your GP. Any persistent cough should be discussed and it could be the case that you need some antibiotics or similar to shift it. Pharmacies can post any necessary meds out to you. I am also in full support of the mindfulness and/or CBT/meds if needed to help reduce your overall anxiety levels. And generally try to increase anything relaxing and enjoyable you can - whatever hobbies/activities they may be for you. Look for whatever else you can get lost in right now. Stay safe too!
Why don’t you purchase a Juul vape or another small vape instead. Seems a shame to undo your hard work, plus buying cigarettes is just another unnecessary visit out the house. I’ve recently quit (2 months - talk about timing my run) and know how rocky it can be so no judgement from me. Another suggestion - download quit genius app aswell, it’s CBT & helpful. You have plenty of spare time to listen to it at the moment aswell. All the best
Thank you all for your comments
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