I’m now on week four of asthma flare. Been referred to the respiratory team however given the current situation with COVID I imagine this will be a very long wait. I’m currently on a tapering course of steroids following 14,days of prednisilone. Also nexthaler. Lots of ventolin. Montelukast and antihistamine. While things aren’t getting worse they aren’t improving. Still breathless doing simple things. And just so tired. My ribs ache and I’m just frustrated. Also I struggle to lose weight and have put on several pounds since taking steroids. I try to walk a few times a week but have to use lots of ventolin to be able to do do. Any ideas what I can do to help myself. I’m resting following meds regime. Trying to eat healthily.
Thanks for listening to my rambling.
Written by
Dizzy412
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi, sorry your not feeling better. I am at a similar point, please bug your gp and the hospital for your appointment. I emailed my hospital about the refferal every 3/4 days to get an update and got an appointment for the 2nd October. They are running and if you are an urgent refferal they should see you soon. Wish there was an easier fix, not being able to do every day things can become frustrating. Take plenty of breaks and look after yourself
With you completely on the aching ribs, exhaustion and frustration. It's horrid, isn't it? The hospitals are opening up now so fingers crossed you get your referral soon.
My best tips for keeping weight down are to avoid potatoes, wheat (pasta and breakfast cereal as well as the obvious bread/cakes/biscuits) and dairy. But we are all different, so what works for me might not work for you. It can't hurt though.
Not sure if this helps but ......have you tried yoga?
If you’re like me I used to think yoga wasn’t for me (as I thought it would be all about getting into difficult postures) until I tried a class which I found on zoom during lockdown which allows you to do it either sitting or lying down.
The movements are carried out gently or you can visualise them.
Focus is on your breath.
I have gradually noticed that it has been easier and I can do more with practice.
I love the relaxation we do at the end. I come away feeling chilled and relaxed.
Even when I have had a flare up I manage to get benefit.( My teacher knows my diagnosis. )
Asthma U.K. had a free yoga session you could sign up for; I didn’t do that one as I am already enjoying my own that I attend.
I don’t know how to attach it to this reply, but if you are interested in trying it out, you can read about it through the asthma U.K. website or get the webinar on YouTube
So sorry to hear you're so miserable. Remember that a lot of the steroid weight is from retaining water. My doctor always tells me to eat less sugar and salt when I'm on steroids to keep from retaining even more water. Something small you can do to feel like you're addressing it. Walking is good even if you need your ventolin. Do you know what set off this flare?
I do t know what set this off. It may have been the very hot weather we had a few weeks ago. But not sure. I had what the drs thought was COVID in March and I don’t feel as though it’s realy settles since.
Hi Dizzy412
I am on week 7 of the worst flare I have ever had in my life. Initial trigger was the really high pollen levels we had and I now believe the mould spore levels are climbing higher too! What fun😖. Just waiting in for a callback from the GP. On the dreaded Pred tablets which are helping a bit, but it all needs sorting out. I have kept a video diary on my mobile phone showing my delightfully gross coughing and spitting stuff out fits😳 as I sometimes think the medics don't believe my graphic descriptions!! Stick at it, keep pestering til you get better. I would be really interested to hear how many other sufferers have found this year especially bad for symptom flares? Take care xxxx
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Covid causing Asthma flare 
unexpected asthma attack 
Managing asthma while reducing steroids
Asthma Assessment
