Hello from a newbie

[Pippyrones]

Hello members. I've noticed in the last few years I get terribly ill only once a year always in the spring and it knocks me for six. I am coughing uncontrollably and bed bound for close to a week. This time round the usual amoxicillin course doesn't seem to be doing the trick...it normally does help.

I'm wondering if I should be taking my fostair and montelucast all year round to prevent this......I usually just take it when the hay fever symptoms kick in and it combats that.

Any insight would be so appreciated.

[teddyd]

I think discussing the issues with your GP or respiratory nurse would be a good idea. I take my medication all year round.

[Poobah]

Fostair takes at least 8 weeks to reach full effectiveness, so taking it after the event is putting you at a disadvantage. Montelukast and Fostair are not rescue meds.

If you know when your weak period is, you need to start taking your meds 2 to 3 months before that, daily. I assume you're not experiencing any asthma symptoms at any other time? But I would be careful about suddenly stopping your meds too.

You should definitely talk with your asthma nurse or doctor about your compliance with your asthma treatment programme, as prevention isn't being provided by your noncompliance. I know it's easy when you feel well to forget your meds, but today we have digital tools to help us remember our daily routine. Stopping and starting some meds can be harmful, so seek advice from your GP surgery.

Amoxicillin is a broad range antibiotic, so you may require something more targeted for your current illness. Ask your doctor for additional treatment.

And check your VitD levels are looked after over the winter, as we just don't get sufficient exposure to the right sunshine strength in the northern hemisphere. Low levels affect our immune systems.

The winter is quite depleting on our bodies and when we're suddenly exposed to various viruses and spring allergies, we've got nothing left in the tank. That only gets worse as we get older too.

Hope you get the antibiotics sorted and a fresh plan of action in place.

[Pippyrones in reply to Poobah]

This is so helpful thank you. I will speak to the doctor about another anti bio. I don't feel much better and I'm on day four of the amoxicillin. I've pulled something in my chest from the excessive coughing. I haven't experienced coughing like this since my teens and I'm 40.

[Poobah in reply to Pippyrones]

You might find the huffing technique helpful if you're trying to shift mucus/phlegm. It's much better than coughing. Here's an NHS physio video that explains the technique.youtu.be/adoNwg8dgGc?si=tlV...(Not working as expected?)

[Poshcards in reply to Poobah]

thanks for this poobah x

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Poobah]

Hi Poobah

Do you know if it’s ok to do this exercise while you’re having a flare up?

Thanks

[Poobah in reply to Helloeveryone_]

I usually use these exercises when I've got a chest infection and need to shift phlegm. They don't make my asthma symptoms worse, but I would probably take a dose of Ventolin first, just to open things up and help me move the phlegm. Personally, the coughing can make me feel more wheezy, so doing these huffing exercises help me avoid too much coughing.If you're unsure how you'll respond to these exercises, proceed carefully and slowly, using your rescue inhaler as necessary. There are other exercises to help with asthma symptoms, summarised here at Asthma UK. You may find these useful for flare ups.

asthmaandlung.org.uk/sympto...

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Poobah]

Thanks for all your help Poobah xx

[Patk1]

I'd be inclined to start fostair and I take antihistamines.is Yr salbutamol helping x

[Heaven20]

Yes, I also feel worse at this time of year, tree pollen has started and with bronchiectasis,asthma and allergies it always knocks me about. I take nasal sprays, use a steroid inhaler that helps slightly, but I usually end up getting an infection of some sort.I try to fill my diet with more fruits and vegetables to help with inflammation. Its hard work to fight to stay healthy.

[Pippyrones in reply to Heaven20]

You are so right. I take so many bio available supplements year round and try to stay healthy but it feels like it's a waste of time at this point.

[_Badger_]

For years I was allowed to just start my meds September/October time and stop them I. The spring because my asthma only ever affected me in winter. In 2020 though they told me advise had changed and I should be taking it all year round to ensure it will work efficiently when you need it.

Might be worth a chat with your Asthma nurse about it.