Asthma and Lost Voice!

[Gileo]

Has anyone experienced this?

Hello all, I am looking for some advice please.

I've had asthma for past 4 years but for the past year I am still trying to control it. Having used a number of inhalers I have been changed from Fostair to Trimbone to see if that will help control my asthma (shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue etc). I also take monteklast tablets daily and ventolin reliever as and when.

I am on and off and on prednisolone and recently took it over 4 weeks weaning myself from 6 week then 5 then 4,3,2 and 1 for three days a time . During that time my voice was hoarse (nothing new) but then completely went and I tried straining to whisper to no avail it was that bad for 2 weeks. I lost my voice over a year ago too for a similar time frame but I am a lecturer and totally need my voice for my job. I feel like I am in a continual loop of husky voice, fatigue, shortness of breath and weight gain and no energy. I am not getting to grips at all. I am 56 years old.

Has anyone else had the loss of voice problems and similar to me and any advice please? I am at hospital for pulmanory tests on NY eve so I wondered if they might check my vocal chords too. I am taking another 7 days of prednisolone again a week after weaning off. Back to 6 a day of 5mg each as a spiralled into another attack and breathing bad and coughing.

Many thanks and happy new year when it arrives 💐

Gill

[Poobah]

I suffered from dysphonia when I was working in a very dry office. I would struggle to keep my respiratory system, plus vocal chords, fighting fit. And if I had to use my voice alot, it would become thin and then disappear. I managed to get the humidity checked and it was consistently low (around 20%) and an occupational specialist agreed that the low humidity was causing my symptoms.I was able to humidify my office, drink plenty of water and gargle. It helped, but learning to rest my voice was difficult!

I have no firm evidence, but I know my current dry powder inhalers have played havoc with my voice box. Even gargling doesn't offset the side effects. But things do improve when I'm on Prednisolone, suggesting an inflammation issue.

The British Voice Association has information on industrial dysphonia in terms of care, the workplace and treatment. britishvoiceassociation.org...

I hope this helps.

[Gileo in reply to Poobah]

Many thanks Poobah, happy new year x

[twinkly29]

Hi,Inhalers can cause hoarseness as a side effect in some people.

With regard to the tests, it may depend which department you're seeing. ENT would normally look at your vocal cords (in the UK) so if you're going for lung function they probably won't on this occasion - but it would definitely be worth asking if it can be investigated if it's not done tomorrow.

[Wheesy in reply to twinkly29]

I agree with both comments. I have found that washing my mouth out regularly during the day even if I have not used my inhalers,helps a great deal.I also have a personal air purifier which is a necklace type when I am out and about and a bigger portable version at home at the side of my chair,[I also use it at the side of the bed and is very quiet when in use}. I also drink about 2 litres plus per day Hope this helps youKeep Well & Stay Safe

[Gileo in reply to twinkly29]

Hi twinkly 29, I shall be seeing the respiratory team for pulmonary testing. Many thanks and happy new year

[twinkly29 in reply to Gileo]

Ah in that case maybe ask them (or your consultant at the follow up if it's just tests this time) about the ent and vocal cords bit. Definitely worth looking into even just to rule stuff in or out. Hope your tests go smoothly tomorrow - and maybe even show a magic answer! 🙂

[Gileo in reply to twinkly29]

I will do, thanks 👍

[Hidden]

Just a thought, but have you ever had your thyroid checked? Weight gain and lost voice are not particularly asthma symptoms, though a few will no doubt have them. On top of that, thyroid issues can mirror some asthma symptoms, such as fatigue, breathlessness and coughing. Seems worth asking your doctor about, seeing as asthma meds don’t appear to be fixing an issue that developed after 3 years of controlled asthma.

[Gileo in reply to Hidden]

Thank you father Jack. Funnily enough I came across this article yesterday about ill mimicking or supplementing asthma too and loss of voice.cdn.ps.emap.com/wp-content/...

[Lorcas_15]

Always gargle in plain water (and then swallow to ensure the full dose) after each use of use of your preventer inhaler. Since doing this I have not had any periods of hoarseness but it has not helped my singing voice (but I'm 71). As you need your voice for your work it may be worth seeing a speech therapist as well.

[Hidden in reply to Lorcas_15]

Respectfully, the dose must be inhaled to be of any help to your asthma. The advice is to gargle and spit to avoid getting thrush, if you take a preventer that can cause this.

asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

[Gileo in reply to Lorcas_15]

Thank you x

[Gileo in reply to Lorcas_15]

Thank you x

[watergazer]

I have suffered with voice problems since being on inhalers. Usually husky but sometimes no voice. I was sent to have a camera put down to check out the area. I do mouth/ throat stretching exercises which help when I feel it going A chest consultant sent me to have this check as inhalers over time can cause throat issues. Maybe see if you can get checked out too x

[Gileo in reply to watergazer]

Thank you for your reply and I will ask about having a check. Happy new year