Exhausted

[Worried546]

I’ve had a particularly rough time recently with asthma attacks.

I’ve currently got no infections, and my peak flow and vitals are fine the last few days, but I feel absolutely exhausted from an asthma attack last week. It’s to the point where I have to lie down after even going down the stairs. How can this be if the asthma attack is over? This fatigue is unreal

This is such a horrible illness to have.

[Mandevilla]

Don't underestimate how exhausting an asthma attack can be. I find that even a few minutes of struggling to breath can leave me wiped out for days, and a really bad run can leave me exhausted for a month or more. I think it's a combo of the physical effort involved, plus the stress of not being able to breath easily - and on top of that, you have whatever bug has made the whole thing flare up in the first place!

Don't push yourself. If you have to slow down for a few days, then that's what you need to do. If this is a regular thing, then I'd certainly go back to your GP to see if there is anything further they can do, but sometimes, we just get these blips and it takes a while to bounce back. Maybe ring the asthma UK helpline to see what they advise? They may be able to give you some tips to manage better at home and also advise at what point you need to go back to your GP.

[Homely2 Administrator]

Having an asthma attack is exhausting, it takes time to recover, so just take things slowly.

You cannot improve things by over pushing.

You do not realise how bad it is until you recover.

I am good at the moment after they changed my spacer to a large old fashioned one. It just gets more of the medicine into my lungs.

To me, asthma is about slowly changing things until you get control. So your house environment, your medicines etc.

[Bevvy]

Sadly it is entertaining normal to be exhausted after a significant asthma attack. I have had times when been really unwell and then taken some weeks to recover. It’s important to listen to your body and give yourself time to heal. Try to eat as healthily as possible and rest and recuperate.

[ChrissieMons]

Recovery time is as varied as the patient, but when you've had a decent attack - not just being a bit breathless now and then, you'll probably begin to learn how long it takes you to get back to your usual form. Illness is not like running a marathon, (tho it feels like it) where you are fine after a rest. All your affected bits that you can't see need different times to recover. Enjoy relaxing! Indulge yourself while you can.

[hilary39]

I totally relate, I'm coming out of a bad flare and have been miserable even with a mostly normal peak flow. Sending a hug and vibes for a quick recovery.