Asthma symptoms since chest infection

[Cshuttle]

I had a chest infection 6 weeks ago, and every since I seem to be having a lot of trouble with my asthma. Before the infection I was very well controlled on my preventer (fostair) and not needed my ventolin since February. After 2 courses of oral steriods it seemed to improve but not fantastic, still a slight cough and getting breathless and wheezy if I done to much to quick, but felt I could manage it, so returned to work, after a week or so it got worse again and was needing my ventolin every evening, cough was worse and my tolerance to everyday activities is a lot less. Nurse practitioner at my gp started me on montelukast just under 2 weeks ago, and although I've seen a slight improvement as in I don't need my ventolin every evening only twice since I started it, and I can do a little more, I'm still coughing a lot, and everyday tasks are still a bit of a challenge as in I have to stop for half hour in between tasks, mainly fro. Mid afternoon not as bad in the morning, where as before I could just carry on with no trouble. Pharmacist from My surgery is due to ring me next week to see how im getting on with the new medication, but should i speak to the nurse before or wait and see what the pharmacist says? Anybody else had anything similar? What worked for you? I'm currently on annual leave from work but due back on Friday, not sure weather to go off sick or just see how I go, as I work 12 hour shifts so not sure how things will be towards the end of the say. Any advice is much appreciated.TIA

[Itswonderful]

I would not wait for pharmacist to phone you. Get in touch with GP surgery now or call 111 for advice. Better to sort it now than wait. It could go any which way, same, better or worse. Avoid the latter where possible!

[eleanordigby]

Hi Cshuttle! Which other asthma medications are you on, and don’t you have a written Asthma Plan allowing you to “step up” eg use more of your preventer when things aren’t going well?

[Cshuttle in reply to eleanordigby]

I'm already on the max dose of my preventer as I'm on fostair 200/6 2 puffs twice a day, and then ventolin as needed

[eleanordigby in reply to Cshuttle]

well there are other add-ons available, have a look around the website, and as ChrissieMons suggests, you can phone the helpline for advice, they’re great

[ChrissieMons]

Maybe you need to look after yourself to get well. Remember all the usual things about eating and drinking and doing your best to relax and not worry about stuff you cannot change. Obviously you need all the medication you have been given - I don't advocate changing that as I'm not a medic, but I do know that your state of mind can slow or speed your recovery. Working 12 hours shifts will be too much for you when you are not at your best. If you haven't spoken to a medic by now, I suggest you call the asthma nurse

0300 222 5800 as they are wonderful!

[ccccc]

Hi

I would definitely speak to one of the Asthma UK nurses or your own practice nurse, perhaps you need another course of steroids as there may be some untreated inflammation from the infection that hasn't cleared up? It can take a while for things to stabilise after a chest infection, it took me about three months to get over my last one.

[Yorkie57]

Strangely enough this is exactly what happened to me, chest infection which I assumed was getting better but then trip to A&E, Xray (ok) course of steroids and antibiotics. My breathing is still bad, before infection I could easily walk as far as I needed to but now I really struggle. I stopped taking Montelukast a couple of years ago with no obvious downturn in my Asthma as it gave me very bad dreams. I'm currently on Symbicort 200/6 two puffs twice a day and Braltus 10 microgrammes once a day.

[daleboy3]

I had a chest infection brought on by Covid in December 2021 so I bought fermented black garlic capsules online after 7 days taking 3 a day the infection went away don’t worry about buying these capsules as the fermentation process leaves the capsules odourless but 12 times stronger than normal garlic & you won’t need steroids again