Asthma flare up since January

[Silverstar99]

I am a 38 year old lady, I have had severe asthma since childhood, had a Respirtory arrest at 14. My regular meds are seretide 250, montelukast, spiriva, ventolin. Asthma has been well controlled until January this year when my asthma flared up and stopped me from to doing day to day activities, my peak flow dropped from 440 to 300. Had around four courses of pred and 3 courses of antibiotics. Starting to wonder if this was a Covid related back in January ?? Asthma improved from April to the beginning of June but then the Respirtory nurse wanted me to move on to fostair 100/6 ( apparently better for me) since the inhaler change my asthma flared up big time. More antibiotics and 21 day reducing course of pred.. peak flow has improved slightly and increased to 390. I think the inhaler change created inflammation and I am now back on my seretide 250. I have rhinitis so use daily sinus rinse, nose spray and omeprazole for reflux. Is there anything else I can do??? I am under a consultant and waiting for a new referral to Whythenshaw where they have a better Respirtory team.

My family and I have been shielding since March , this has been so hard on the family and now I have made the decision to start going out more, my children are forming a bubble with a small group of friends. But it’s a scary time, has anyone with severe asthma had Covid-19?

Thanks 😊

[twinkly29]

It's difficult to say whether covid related or not - could just as likely have been any other virus. But it does sound like switching to Fostair wasn't right for you. Hopefully soon things will settle down now you're back on it!

[Poobah]

We've had covid in the family and at least one member is still experiencing breathing problems after four months. They don't have asthma and had to spend time in hospital for oxygen treatment. Unfortunately, just like asthma, covid experiences are just as individual as the patient. You may have had covid or you may have had another virus - without testing at the time you'll never know. But you still have the wretched fall out to deal with. Secondary bacterial infection is a common problem with viruses.

It sounds like you've had the usual treatment of steroids and antibiotics plus a change of inhaler. It may be that you still have a lingering chest infection and more specific treatment will be necessary. Has your doctor tested any phlegm specimen? If not then I would go back to your GP.

NB that Fostair reaches further into the lungs so this may have irritated any lingering lower tract infection. Your GP should be able to listen to where your wheezing is happening and with a sputum test be able to prescribe accordingly. The sputum will indicate whether or not it is an infection and if it is, how to treat it.

Having said all that, sometimes post virus asthma flare ups can take a long time to settle. But with ongoing symptoms you definitely need ongoing support from your GP and asthma nurse.

All the best.

[Pipswhips]

Are you under a Respiratory Consultant at hospital if not get your Dr to refer you to one.

How long have been on fostair because it least takes a month to work.

I had pneumonia beginning of December after having chest infections on and off since October previous year.

Your not the only one that they think that they have had covid because the symptom what they say i had.

Have a word with either your Gp or your Asthma nurse If your under a Respiratory Consultant and you're not due to see him or her you can always ring the Consultant secretary up and have a talk see what she says. And also you can get help from Asthma uk they have a helpline what's open 9-5 Monday-Friday and they have trained asthma Nurses there to answer your call. You can have a chat with you and see what they can suggest they been very helpful when I were having problems with my Asthma and I could get help from the surgery I found they were very helpful even when I was told that i had to shield and was having problems they help me, you might a bit of a wait because of reduced numbers taking calls or they are answering from home but stay on the phone they will get to you.

Hope this helps.

[hilary39]

I'm so sorry to hear you've been in such a long flare. I hate those! It starts to feel hard to believe there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I had covid in April and was pretty sick for a month. It definitely exacerbated my asthma and although I was ok in May, I've been in a flare up on and off since the beginning of June.

I hope your referral comes through soon. Keep tracking your vitals and checking in with your consultant.

Hoping your lungs calm down soon!!