Coping with asthma at the moment

[LizPat30]

Morning fellow asthma sufferers, I'm sure there are many out there like me finding that the high pollen levels are increasing asthma symptoms. My asthma was only diagnosed 3+ years ago 6 months after my bronchiectasis diagnosis so I feel I'm still trying to understand my triggers and how to deal with them. Exercise is definitely one trigger, but as for several afternoons this week I've had a very tight chest, even when I haven't done strenuous exercise I assume it is what's in the air. For me the tight chest seems to develop very slowly and then is accompanied by intense tiredness. Even if I take my Salamol at the first indication of difficulty I get no relief. The Salamol just doesn't seem to help. Thankfully I sleep well and the tight chest disappears overnight. Do these patterns of asthma seem familiar to anyone? I'm on the highest dose of Relvar, Incruse and take Montelukast. Jo

[Homely2 Administrator]

I have had similar, my asthma without medications worsens as the day progresses, but clears up at night.

What helped me a lot was switching from fostair 200 to fostair 100 mart. Under the mart regime you take a bit at the beginning and end of day, and up to 4 doses during the day. It is the same total steroid dose but more spread out. So I am taking it more when my asthma is bad.

The doses during the day work better for me than salamol.

I also take spiriva.

Talk to asthma UK nurses on their helpline and get an idea of what might be worth trying.

[LizPat30 in reply to Homely2]

Thank you so much for responding, that's really helpful. Jo xx

[Ts777 in reply to Homely2]

Exactly the same here . I’m very allergic to pollen. I take fostair 200/6. I increase to 6 puffs a day when things aren’t great. For me, it’s best to add the extra 2 at lunchtime. Of course, we’re all different.

I’m also sending my gp a message every time I do this for a week or so…l so the pharmacist has a record and gives me inhalers when I need them. I’m such a good patient, compliant with the overprotective nhs!!!

[Mons in reply to Homely2]

I would agree with Mandevilla. I bought an air purifier wondering if it would help or not. It does work massively for me. I have a large one in the lounge and a smaller one in the bedroom. As a side issue I have a dog that gets breathing problems and she regularly sits by the air purifier so it’s a definite YES from her too 😂

[andy121]

Hi I’ve had the same problem this year been struggling to do anything up until a month ago my doctor changed my preventer inhaler from Fostair to high dose Fobumix and put me on Fexofenadine on top of Montekulast and loratidine. I now feel like a new person I think I forgotten how to breath up until now.

Have a chat with your asthma nurse or asthma uk don’t suffer in silence like I did

[LizPat30 in reply to andy121]

Thanks Andy for taking the time to reply, I've taken note!

[Oldandgray in reply to andy121]

I see your on fexofenadine and loratidine. Two different antihistamine , please may I ask when you take them, together or different times of the day. At the moment I find that the Fexofenadine which I’m prescribed doesn’t always cover me fully and I take diphenhydramine. My GP is not happy with this and the second one makes me very sleepy as it’s in Nytol!

When I do take both my side effects of asthma such as lots of mucus is much reduced and I cough a lot less.

[Ts777 in reply to Oldandgray]

I suggested more anti histamines to my gp. I think this might be a good way for me to counteract high pollen levels.

He wasn’t keen though. Did you get this regime from a gp or specialist?

[andy121 in reply to Oldandgray]

Hi, yes I take Fexofendine and loratadine together in the morning and the Montekulast in the evening. I don’t cough or get mucus anymore.

[Mandevilla]

If you're affected by pollen, you may also find yourself worse in the morning and afternoon and better overnight when the pollen count drops. You might find an air purifier helpful if pollen is part of the problem. I wouldn't want to be without mine!

[LizPat30 in reply to Mandevilla]

Thank you, that's something to consider. Jo

[Chip_y2kuk]

If you've got hayfever then a good antihistamine and maybe montelukast will help with allergy symptoms

[Chip_y2kuk]

Also (and nearly all people are guilty of this ) ... now its hotter we need around 3litres of fluid a day ... just to survive or we end up dehydrated and there is massive amounts of evidence that being dehydrated causes airway irritation also being "thirsty" is actually a really really poor indicator of hydration

[Evie3]

I sympathise. Ventolin isnt giving me any relief at all. I find shifting the mucus is helpful…..inhaling steam….exercises to expand the lungs and huffing 😉. So tired of coughing. Take care

[LizPat30 in reply to Evie3]

Thank you, look after yourself xxxx

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Evie3]

I realise this is something you're doing yourself, but as others might read this reply and try it, I'm just flagging that steam can be an asthma trigger for some people - so please be careful about mentioning it on here.

Also you mentioned your Ventolin isn't giving you relief and you're coughing a lot. That's usually a sign you need to see someone medical as soon as possible, not just trying things at home. Please don't wait to see someone if you're getting worse at home and your Ventolin isn't helping.

[Evie3 in reply to Lysistrata]

I was only saying what I was doing. I am under medical supervision.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Evie3]

That's good to hear re medical supervision - but I couldn't be sure of that from your post, so I needed to say it in case you weren't.

As I said I realise you were just saying what you're doing re steam, but people do read these posts and try things, even if you're just talking about what you're doing for yourself. It isn't necessarily obvious that something can work for one person and be a trigger for others.

I appreciate that not everyone is aware of that for things they use at home for themselves, but I do flag it when I see it because it seems to be a common thing with home remedies that they can help or be harmful - even stuff like steam and opening windows at night.

[ALUK_Nurses Partner ALUK Asthma Nurse in reply to Evie3]

Hi Evie3, sorry to hear you are struggling, would you like to ring our helpline and have a chat about your asthma? You'd be most welcome 😊. 0300 2225800 option 3 for nurses

[Gwalltarian]

you could try asking your gp for an antihistamine - Fexofenadine maybe - I’ve just taken a dose this morning, eased my breathing and cleared my nose.

[LizPat30 in reply to Gwalltarian]

Yes this isn't something that's been mentioned before, but could be very helpful. Thank you Jo

[Naturesvalley]

My asthma is weather related and I am suffering with the pollen. I have recently been told that my asthma is neutrophilic which means I am more prone to infections. I carry my ventolin with me. I have my asthma review on Tuesday. First time it is a face to face appointment