Post Viral Breathlessness

[Hoopla75]

Hi guys,

I had a virus about a month ago which seems to have knocked my asthma over a cliff. After two courses of antibiotics and two courses of steroids my chest is absolutely clear of infection but I'm still breathless. I finished my second course of steroids on Saturday and thought I was better but come Sunday night I was back to square one. Saw the GP yesterday and have been prescribed yet another course of steroids which I know will help but for how long? I'm desperate to get back to work and some sort of normality.

Does anyone have any suggestions on things I can try to speed up improvement? Breathing exercises, supplements maybe? Short of standing on my head I'm pretty much willing to try anything.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Hi,

I can totally empathise with how crappy you can feel after a virus - I felt rubbish with my asthma for ages after RSV, and swine flu really did a number on it.

Part of it may just be time, which I appreciate absolutely sucks. There's no harm in trying breathing exercises as a virus and asthma can both mess up your breathing: this page might help: asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

In terms of supplements, most people tend to need Vitamin D in a northern hemisphere winter, so if you're not already taking it that's worth doing in any case, though I don't know how much help it will be right away. The NHS recommendation is actually quite low and other places recommend higher. This article may help - American but still a useful overview: healthline.com/nutrition/ho...? I take a supplement with Vitamin D alone as I feel I already get enough calcium in my diet, my bones are fine and don't want too much, but others need the calcium. If you're having a lot of pred you should also ask your GP about bone protection.

This page has information on safely using any alternative and complementary therapies with asthma if you want to try them: asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

However, it may be that your asthma just isn't behaving very well after the virus so it's worth doing what you can to address that too, even if it doesn't stay this way forever. It might be that you need more preventer medication at the moment, which is better than endless courses of pred! What are you on currently, and did it work for you before you got the virus? If it didn't you may need a rethink on that anyway.

It's worth calling the asthma nurses on the helpline to chat this through and see what ideas they have: 0300 2225800 or WhatsApp [phone] Monday-Friday 0915-5pm

[corinusha]

Hi, there is a mechanical breathing plastic thing, you can practice breathing with that, it requires patience since it takes many exercises to improve. It has three tubes connected together with little colored balls, Flo-Gym, Tri-Ball, there are different brands. Also, a place with good breathing air can make wonders. For me altitude around 1000m, hills, where if possible is no fog. Fog does not sit well with my asthma. Other ways only time...I wish you a lot of health!