Ongoing infections and asthma

[4127]

I have had bronchitis/chest infection/sinus infection on and off since November which has caused my asthma to flare up. I improve for a couple weeks and then become unwell again. I've had 3 courses of steroids since November, doxycycline twice, azithromycin once and now on amoxicillin. I have several nose bleeds from my sinuses. I take fostair 200/6, spirivia respirmat, montelukast and currently take 2-8 puffs of salbutamol roughly 4 hourly and wake up most nights with a tight chest. Does anyone have any suggestions of why I can not seem to get rid of the infection? I have had to repeatedly go off sick from work and don't want this to continue

[MELNEL]

Hi there 😀 sorry to hear that you have been so unwell. It's not easy ATM to keep fit to boost your immune system because of lockdown and more. Did you had your flue jab? If not you still can get it, always helpful in those times. And yes its frustrating that it will not go away.

Is this the first time that it stays this long with you? Do you have to work at home or in an office? I had the same problem last year, got one infection after another and was not great honestly, I have asthma and COPD, and physical activity are very hard for me. So I went online for some answers in fruits and vitamins. I feel a lot better since having my pink Grapefruit and vitamins pills. And I always love dancing so I just did that. LOL all people who have lung illnesses need a bit more boost for their health.

Also it's important to try to have some fun, laughing is good for you. It all sounds a bit funny but it's helpful. I hope you will feeling better soon again 😌 as well speak with your GP about it, I believe if he or she is seeing that you taking medication so long they might try a different medication, the body is always weak when taking so much for so long. You take care and stay safe and warm 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[Poobah]

I'm sorry to hear how poorly you've been. It's a rotten pickle to be in. I had about 8 chest infections in one year period several years ago and felt quite desperate and exhausted because of it. Repeated antibiotics and steroids just didn't seem to get on top of the issue. I became worried about my bone health as we have several family members who suffer from osteoporosis, but my GP was quite laid back about it despite my steroid dependency. I did my own research and started taking VitD3 and calcium. I started on high VitD3 (about 5,000iu pd) for about 3 months before going down to 2000iu pd. For some reason my chest infection cycle stopped. I never even thought about it being anything to do with the VitD3 and just thought I had had a run of bad luck, health wise, that had corrected itself. It's only recently that covid has forced the medical profession to look at anything that may help in the fight against this virus. Suddenly there's lots of talk about the role VitD3 plays in a healthy immune system. The NHS are prescribing it to clinically extremely vulnerable patients, if they want it, but only at 800iu pd.

I decided to have my VitD levels checked recently and they were only just in the normal range (the range is big: 50 to 200). Mine was 52, despite taking 2000iu pd. So I've upped it to 3000iu plus I now take VitKmk7, magnesium citrate, fish oil (VitD3 is fat soluble and needs K & mag for better absorption, boron helps too, and prevents calcification).

And asthmatics can be low on potassium because of their inhalers. This is highlighted in the patient leaflets that accompany the inhaler. If this is highlighted then your GP should be monitoring your potassium levels. I had no idea about this until I was admitted to hospital and my levels were very low. I was put on potassium supplements. My GP wasn't aware of the problem with inhalers.

But I would stress that you get your Vit D levels checked before you take any supplements. If your GP won't run the necessary blood tests, then there are good private companies that are reliable. I'm happy to give you more details, if your interested. But it's good to do your own research, I can only tell you about my story and you need to consider if you think this may benefit you.

My GP has never tested my phlegm before prescribing antibiotics, however my hospital respiratory team have and the upshot was a more targeted treatment. Another thing to consider as the scatter gun approach of various antibiotics aren't working.

[LDloveslattecoffe]

You don't say how long you have been on the medication. If you have been on the same inhalers for more than 2.5 years you could need a change