Low lung capacity

[ewusia28]

Is it normal for the lung capacity to be low during covid? My quota is around 300 now 190. Today I am the fourth day on antibiotic and steroid tablets. My chest is still heavy. I'm losing my mind. How long will this go on? Thanks for all the answers.

[twinkly29]

Are you using your ventolin when your peak flow is 190 (or you are symptomatic) and does your peak flow increase if you do it again 15 mins after using the ventolin?

[ewusia28 in reply to twinkly29]

Yes, I checked. Up by 30. Now it's 220. After two doses of ventolin

[twinkly29 in reply to ewusia28]

Ah that's good - glad it's helped. I would suggest keeping an eye on it as you have done, use your ventolin if you need it and if you feel worse or it's not helping then call 111. It's tricky because a lot of the tightness is likely the covid rather than your asthma - but equally it's making sure you don't just think oh it's all covid and potentially ignore your asthma. As Emma suggests below, calling the Asthma UK nurses might help?

[ewusia28 in reply to twinkly29]

Thank you

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Does ventolin help the PF? Steroids can take a while to kick in with asthma however if the tightness is covid it may not actually calm with steroids.

Have you tried giving the AUK helpline a ring? They have a special helpline for post COVID but it has been turning into a general COVID advice for asthmatics line I think - 0300 2225942

If your PF drops below 50% best and doesn’t respond to ventolin you should follow your asthma plan and seek further help (ie hosp)

Hope you feel better soon

[ewusia28 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you