asthma flare up

[Rubyrainbow7]

I have had asthma all of my life, but had a period of 30years where it wasn’t a problem or was very mild and managed.

last November I caught a virus which ended up on my chest. Amoxicillin, doxycycline and 1 lot of steroids and it still wasn’t back to normal and my asthma was bad. To the point of when you get really anxious as you can’t breathe properly.

another lots of amoxicillin for a sinus infection and a 4 week course of montelukast.

The montelukast seemed to help straight away but now after just over 2 weeks on it, my asthma has suddenly got worse (along with muffled ears and a little phlegm) has anyone experienced this?

it seems so strange after it seemed to be back to normal.

any advise please

[Rossiegirl1]

Hi, I'm sorry you're having this issue, it's so frustrating isn't it? I don't know what is causing your long flare up, but I have had the same thing since September when I got covid, so I'm thinking that there must be a connection? Have you asked your Dr to be referred to an asthma specialist?

[ReedB]

Hello, sounds like it could have been Covid related? I've found with Covid symptoms and chest infections were particularly stubborn to shift and usually needed at least 2 if not 3 rounds of antibiotics to clear as well as pred. My husband doesn't have asthma but after Covid it caused him horrible sinus symptoms and infections. It can take at least 3 months to feel better and longer to fully get over.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Viruses can definitely mess things up if you have asthma. Not just COVID - I think everyone focuses on that but other viruses can do the same. I got swine flu with previously mild asthma and that really messed things up, and RSV in 2019 made my lungs more twitchy for quite a while.

You might find it helpful to give the asthma nurses on the helpline a call 0300 2225800 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. You'll probably need to go back to your GP, and the helpline nurses can't give specific advice to you as they haven't seen your notes or assessed you. But they can help you talk it through, give some guidance, and let you know if there's anything specific you should ask about eg referral to a specialist if needed.

[Poobah]

I'm hearing/reading similar things; controlled asthma for years and then, after a virus, difficulty getting back to the same levels of control.

Trying to find research into "poor asthma control after virus recovery" brings up recent small trials looking at the affects of mild to moderate Covid-19 virus. There's a growing recognition that asthma affected by covid can take time to bring under control. But more research is needed.

There's a little bit on viral asthma, but the treatment is the same as normal; short acting bronchodilator (e.g. Ventolin), LABA (Symbicort, Fostair etc), Prednisolone short term, Montelukast.

I'm wondering if there's any coordination to address how post viral asthma is treated if asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled for any length of time? GPs seem to still be looking at one short 5 day course of Prednisolone and a similar length course of antibiotics. In your case you've had 3 courses of antibiotics, but only one course of Prednisolone. Maybe it's time for your GP to prescribe a more considered course of Prednisolone in order to address the ongoing issues? I wouldn't hesitate to go back again and explain that their treatment to date hasn't sufficiently addressed the ongoing symptoms.

I would also use the term "post viral asthma" in my discussion with the GP, just so they may be encouraged to seek a second opinion from a colleague or even refer you to a respiratory clinic.

All the best.

[Rubyrainbow7 in reply to Poobah]

Thankyou

Yes it’s very scary and I’ve been re assured it’s happening more this year due to the wet autumn and very cold winter so far.

I’m now been given a spacer to use when using ventolin.

Still on montelukast but finish on Monday so gp may want me to carry on with.

It’s been awful and very scary x

[Poobah in reply to Rubyrainbow7]

It might be prudent to discuss your concerns with the Asthma UK nurses on the helpline before your next appointment, just so you can get the most out of that Dr's appointment. One thing we have to learn, is how to advocate for ourselves and secure better treatment (I'm not passing judgment on your Dr, but it's good to know what you can expect and reasonably accept as treatment).

The helpline number is 0300 222 5800 and operates in business hours, Mon to Fri.

All the best.