Advise please

[Tedi2]

Is anyone else really struggling with this weather, usually only need to take 2 puffs of fostair morning and night, but after being outside for an hour even thought mouth and nose is covered, chest tight feeling a bit tight and feeling a bit jittery, need to take 2 more puffs an hour or so later, and even though I'm inside an hour or two later need another two puffs, later in the evening its all settled down 🤔

[teddyd]

The last 6 weeks have not been kind to my health particularly my lungs. I dont know if its the weather or because I had a flu bug then covid and its just taking a while to get over it. Roll on better weather.

[paula66 in reply to teddyd]

Oh I relate to this since having a flu type illness lasting 5 weeks in October I'm still struggling...x

[paula66]

Really your foxtail should be taken morning and night with ventolin in-between....maybe up your fostair to 4 puffs in the morning for a few days x

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to paula66]

Some people may be on a different treatment called MART (maintenance and reliever treatment), where they use lower dose Fostair (or Symbicort) as a reliever as well instead of Ventolin, up to a maximum number of puffs per day. So it makes sense that Tedi2 is using extra Fostair if that's her treatment plan.

If someone isn't on that plan though, or hasn't been told to increase their preventer puffs, they shouldn't be doing it without checking in with their GP/asthma nurse/hospital team - so please don't advise others on what medication to take/how many puffs, even if you take extra puffs yourself as needed.

[Linnet711]

I also am struggling with this cold weather, I've had asthma for over 30 years. I had covid for the second time in October and it has left me with a cough that i have had since then. I am already on a relvar inhaler and salbutamol but this cough is making my chest more tight. As I'm Coughing day and night every day. Now doctor has given me an additional inhaler to try on for Friday called a spiriva-respimat. It is supposed to open your air ways more. I have to see him again in 6 weeks and if this isn't working he is going to send me back to the breathing clinic to check if i have now c.o.p.d

[London2017]

I've had asthma for over 40years. I had covid for the second time in October and it has left me with a cough that i have had since then. I am already on a relvar inhaler and salbutamol but this cough is making my chest more tight. As I'm Coughing day and night every day. Now doctor has given me an additional inhaler 

[teddyd]

I have just taken the dog out into the garder. It about -2. The burning around my right lung is excruciating. Now using nebuliser to try and ease the discomfort/pain.

[nomoreibsc in reply to teddyd]

So sorry Teddyd. The cold weather is brutal for asthma sufferers. Take good care of yourself.

[Patk1 in reply to teddyd]

It maybe worth using yr ventolin/salbutamol b4 u go out too x

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

HI, it sounds like your asthma isn't well controlled currently as you're needing reliever a lot. Even if you know the trigger (and it does sound like the cold weather is probably it). Do you have an asthma plan which tells you what to do? Either way, it would be a good idea to check in with your GP or asthma nurse to let them know and see what they advise. You could also talk to the asthma nurses on the helpline: 0300 2225800 or WhatsApp [phone] Monday-Friday 0915-5pm

[Itswonderful]

yes. Cold weather is a trigger for me. That the air is cold and dry is a double whammy. I take extra care when it’s like this. I keep my house warm and humid though I know it doesn’t suit everyone it works well for me. I wear extra layers so I keep chest and throat warm. Ears need to be warm too. Breathing cold air is a no no for me and perhaps you too. I wouldn’t deliberately go outside for no reason in this cold crisp weather.

[nomoreibsc]

Thank you for posting. Been experiencing the same thing. Two asthma attacks in 3 days. I know cold weather is a trigger for me but it's never been this intense before. Even the last cold spell wasn't as bad. Now all of a sudden struggling to breathe and chest so tight and painful. Coughing fits. Wasn't sure if it was the weather or a virus. Very confusing.

[Patk1 in reply to nomoreibsc]

With a urti virus,throats usually sore,temp may be up,glands swollen.i wear thin scarf wrapped loosely round mouth+nose so air gets warmed.x

[nomoreibsc in reply to Patk1]

Thanks Patk1 🤗Did have painful throat and sinuses, felt shivery and glands felt larger but no temperature at all.

[Patk1 in reply to nomoreibsc]

You've certainly got something.colds r lingering this yr,with coughs+ flu is also worse ths year.have u tested for covid? Do rest up x

[nomoreibsc in reply to Patk1]

Thank you 🥰 Doesn't feel like COVID tbh. But it's something. I spoke to my niece and she said she had the same thing. It affected her breathing even though she doesn't have asthma. I know there's a nasty bug floating around like a heavy cold on steroids. Lots of people in my neck of the woods have had it. Feeling better today.

[Homely2 Administrator]

I hate the wet weather even more than the cold. At least when it is cold the sun's sometimes comes out and I can combat the cold with a scarf around the mouth.

Maybe I need to keep a scorecard, asthma attacks when it is cold v asthma attacks when wet.

[Watforddogs]

Hi Ted - well edit copy edit paste - i am the same and whilst over 50 odd years i have come to learn when it will be worse than usual - this winter (having had Covid at the start of the year maybe) it is worse and like you i only need to be out for a short time and i need the ventolin to supplement the Fostair. We all seem to have similar but different triggers - mine always was the change of weather as we enter autumn but now sharp temperature drops too - cold rather than wet.

One positive - the days are getting longer and the first signs of crocuses in the garden - so hold on and it will soon be easier

Chris