Uncomfortable breathing

[RJS50]

I have had mild asthma for about 25 years, usually controlled well. Within the last 4 weeks I am struggling to get a good enough breath in which leaves me feeling very uncomfortable and sometimes light-headed. I have been to see the asthma nurse who advised to take up to 10 puffs of Ventolin at any one time if required & I've also been prescribed a stronger regular inhaler. My breathing still isn't great & I wonder what my next steps are?

PS I had covid in Oct 2021 with pnemonia which wasn't treated with antibiotics until it was late stage.

Thanks.

[Homely2 Administrator]

If it is asthma, what is suddenly triggering it, a particular type of pollen, maybe.

Assuming it is asthma, then the new inhaler may well take a few weeks to bed in.

So it may sort itself out, the trigger may disappear, the inhaler may become more and more effective.

What sort of inhaler have they put you on, there are loads, and if the first does not work, they can try another.

Is something other than asthma is going on, have you got a lung infection of some type. Do you need to see your gp to check.

[Poobah]

Your new inhaler may take at least 6 to 8 weeks to reach it's full efficacy, so if you have no viable progress by 8 weeks then definitely see your asthma nurse again as you may find another inhaler more beneficial. Unfortunately, getting the right inhaler can be trial and error.

You may also find breathing exercises beneficial, especially if you've had covid, if you can persuade your GP to refer you to a respiratory physiotherapist or go private. My RP recommended Buteyko breathing and you can find more information on YouTube (Patrick McKeown is very good).

Here's a calendar of pollen sources that can cause breathing and other issues. It could be that covid has made your lungs more sensitive to these kind of triggers. Avoiding triggers may not be possible, but at least if you think this may be the issue you can discuss treatment with your doctor or asthma nurse.

kleenex.co.uk/advice/pollen...

[Troilus]

Hi RJS

I’d be inclined to go back to the GP and see about a short course of prednisone to give you the boost needed in the hope that the new preventer will take over before the effects have worn off.

I think 4 weeks of copious amounts of Ventolin is not good.

[Itswonderful]

could it be that you’ve developed a disordered breathing pattern? But as others have said I would go back to GP so they can listen to your chest and hear if there is good air movement. I hope you are better soon.

[Maltesemama]

Hi tho RJ, Yes I love Ventolin and always have one in my purse. It should be (so I’m told) used as a rescue inhaler. Be sure to shake it before each inhalation. Also that two puffs should b sufficient.

Good luck, and I hope you feel better.

[Flower00]

Go see your GP. I have had asthma for long period like you. They treated my breathlessness and dizziness as asthma for six months when in fact it was angina. A common mistake from my experience. Best get checked out good luck

[RJS50]

Thank you all for your helpful comments - really appreciate it. 😊

[Patk1]

Hope yr new inhaler helps.advice is to use a spacer.breathe it in as deep + slow as poss,hold for sec before exhaling.have u got/had a cold or virus? Tree& grass pollen q high now so maybe Otc antihistamine may help.ru on montelukast x