If I get a cold it invariably ends up on my chest with coughing fits. I have mild asthma and take daily DuoResp inhalations.
When the coughing gets really bad I sometimes suffer laryngospasm, which is terrifying. I cannot breathe in and this creates panic that makes the whole thing worse. Does anyone on this forum get this condition?
Has anyone got any suggestions as to how to avoid or get out of this scary condition?
I would have a chat with the asthma helpline re this in the New Year on 0300 2225800.
Laryngospasm sounds scary. I have very sudden brutal asthma attacks that are not nice, but for me salamol remains effective, so staying calm, using my extra big spacer works for me.
Yes, mostly when I have any sort of respiratory virus, and sometimes not for any reason at all. It does make one panic, but you are probably getting enough oxygen through. There are exercises that can help, have a look on the net. Hard to say I know, but try to relax, breath in through your nose, and out through pursed lips. No one has died from this as far as I know its just a truly horrible feeling. You are not alone. The theory is, it's some sort of nerve damage, it is a normal reflex but it has become over sensitive and inappropriate.
so sorry you have this from time to time HalleysComet. Yes I have them too. It seems that many doctors and asthma nurses do not know about them and can become frustrated when you don't respond to the asthma treatments prescribed. Not even in A&E which is frightening because when you are in the throes of it there's no way you can explain. In the end, I paid for a private consultation at a specialist airways clinic that has a consultant with a special interest in unresolved cough. This has led to a complete change of medication and investigations that are helping me. I have also had excellent input from the respiratory physio and speech and language therapists. They've given me exercises such as the Secret Yawn and humming to exercise vocal cords and breathing exercises when in the throes of an attack such as the Shirt Sniff and Blow to calm the airways down and reduce the chance of coughing. There are also breathing techniques to calm lungs down and an alternative to Huffing to clear mucus. There might be info on the Royal Marsden Trust or the Royal Brompton website. I can only say these have helped me no end and so it is possible for things to be better and not feel so terrified by it. I hope you find something that helps. PS. Speech therapist also advised to minimise telephone calls and talk slowly taking breaths frequently. Best wishes to you.
Short Sniff*
It sounds as though you have found someone able to give good advice. May I ask what specialist airways clinic you went to?
The Royal Brompton airways clinic. I have to travel to see them but it's been so helpful.
Thanks for this. I'm gearing to trying (once again) to get what I think is neuropathic cough, sorted out with a GP, and if it fails my next step was to pay for a consult at the Brompton. As you say, a bit of a trek, but what price ones health and quality of life.
Agreed. It was the best £250 I ever spent. GP surgery tried their best but they just didn't understand what was going on so I told time after time that I was on the best package of treatment despite having a choking cough for almost two years. I spent all the time trying everything to stop the coughing from starting because once it started I just didn't know how I could take my next breath. Good luck and I hope you get some positive outcomes very soon. Happy 2024.
Best wishes...and good health to you too 
I do so understand how you felt- it is the most terrifying experience- akin to drowning I reckon. I dread getting a cold because of the very same condition.
I wonder if the Royal Brompton has any satellite clinics that will take self-referrals.
I do t think they do but it's always worth asking the question. I live in Norfolk and I have to go to the Brompton for appointments. If you find out there is please let me know? It's a whole day getting there and back but it has been worth it. You can make a private appointment though for the initial assessment. If you go on the Brompton website you should see the contact details.
that is such good advice. I shall look up those suggestions. Thank you so much.
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