35 Years & desperate for help with Asthma

[rob27489]

I have had mild and well controlled asthma since age 5.

In October 2022 I had an adverse reaction to a Covid vaccine, in and out of hospital with breathing difficulties, severe worsening of asthma and constant airway inflammation for around 9 months, my life was turned upside down. After around 1 year I returned to work, but had 4 severe flare ups in the last year.

9 weeks ago I caught a cold which is the usual cause of a severe flare up. Took steroids for 2 weeks and upped my Fostair (also on Spiriva Respimat) and used the nebuliser multiple times a day for the next 2 weeks (4 weeks at this point). In the fifth week I felt a big improvement which is around the right timescale for me.

I returned to work on amended hours and duties in the 6th week, however only lasted 9 days. I developed a strange tightening of my airway, however my peak flow is only between 5-10% down, from around 500 to 450-470.

What I really need help with, is figuring out what has been going on for the last 3 weeks. My airway is now constantly tight, however peak flow isn’t that bad. I’m exhausted doing anything. I’m constantly clearing my throat but often there isn’t anything to clear, although it feels like there is! I do however seem to get phlegmy and chesty after eating. The best way I can describe how I am feeling is that I feel like I’m on the verge of wheezing whilst breathing in which is really strange.

I am taking 2 x Spiriva in the morning, and 8 Fostair throughout the day. Montelukast in the evening along with an anti histamine as I have post nasal drip. The stranger thing is, the airway tightness gets worse at different times. Upon waking it isn’t too bad, then pottering about it seems to get worse after breakfast and doing my inhalors. I’ve tried some exercise as I’m trying anything right now, and that actually helps, peak flow has been up at 490 after exercise and feel okay. Then for example yesterday I had eggs on toast after exercising and then 2 x Fostair, within 15 minutes my airway was so tight I had to sit down, which makes no sense to me.

Ventlolin nebules help open the airways for about an hour. After 3 weeks of this strange airway tightness I’m at my wits end. I saw my GP and explained and he kept pushing anxiety medication but it isn’t that, it’s a physical tightening and wheeze! I suggested LPR or reflux even though I don’t have heartburn and he said he didn’t believe in that causing asthma symptoms. I had bloods last week which all came back normal, Aspergillus normal and allergy tests showing no allergies.

I’ve been told steroids are for if your peak flow drops by 20% or more so I’m reluctant to start them again but I want to know whether they would help so I’m tempted.

Please if anyone thinks this sounds familiar or has any ideas, I would welcome any replies at all.

[peege]

Hi I'm so sorry you're going through this, it sounds awful and definitely beyond my experience. There is the helpline here so you can speak to a professional who'll listen, advise & give you guidance on what to do plus what to ask your medics. 0300 222 5800 between 09.15 & 5pm Mon to Friday. Good luck

[Homely2 Administrator]

I had a period of nasty asthma, hospital etc.

After that period I got my normal asthma attacks, but I also got attacks that were more sudden, they were reactions to certain things, my trusty fostair 100 did not help. They were quite frightening.

I went to see a respiratory physio privately, she said the other attacks were ILOs. Inducible Laryngospasm, or something like that. It is a physical tightening, more in your throat than asthma is, caused by your body over reacting to certain stimuli, eg perfume. With me, it is mainly sortable by learning certain breathing exercises, for when it happens.

Gerd definitely triggers some of my asthma attacks.

I would ring the asthma UK helpline on 0300 2225800, office hours, and chat your issues through with one of the asthma nurses. They can give you some ideas, and also tell you how to discuss then with your GP.