Fit 50 year old

[Tealeaf123]

I am a fit 50 year old who vigorously exercises 6 days a week (cycling,boxing,running,weights)

I caught nasty chest infection in August. It took 3 weeks and 2 courses of antibiotics to clear.

After the infection cleared I was left really short breathed after I exercised. The doctor said it was post infection lung inflammation and gave me a 10 day course of steroids.

5 weeks later still no improvement. I could do very easy exercise but anything slightly moderate and my chest tightened up and remained like that for couple of hours after.

After going private last week I saw a specialist and did a FENO breathing test which showed a reading of 180.

The specialist said I had asthma and that it was common after viral infections and has prescribed 100/6 Foster, a CT scan and has sent off bloods for allergy tests etc.

I've never had asthma previous but my mum had it.

Just wanted to ask if anyone has had a similar story??

Thanks

[fruittea3]

yes, this is what happened to me. I had a normal viral infection, just a cold, cough etc back in Sept 2019 and then kept getting breathless and wheezy afterwards. Was diagnosed with asthma and have been taking medication for it ever since. Now whenever I get a respiratory infection, it normally ends in a chest infection and steroids being required to get things back under control. I think as your doctor has said, it can be quite common for a virus to trigger the asthmatic response as an adult when you've never had it before.

[deepbreath01]

Yes same for me. Chest infection bought on first Asthma incident & steroids needed to bring it under control.

I have a large set of lungs too and have done lots of CV & endurance in my adult life. My peak flow was 833 l/m after bronchodilation during my assessment when I got better so they didn't believe I had asthma. However it dropped to under 450l/m when I was unwell so that was enough for a diagnosis. I consider myself lucky now as a low dose of Clenil Modulite keeps it under control for me with the occasional blue reliever required at times. I'm still reactive to weather and seasonal variations & stress too.

Something that helps me is the use of antihistamines at times as they are a lot faster acting than a preventer. It was of my customers who was involved in conducting and publishing asthma drug trials who encouraged me to consider using antihistamines.

Good luck in your recovery.

[Mandevilla]

Mine started after a seriously bad cough/chest infection (probably Covid but was before home tests were available) early 2020.