Chest Infection

[Maya_227]

Hiya, I usually have very well controlled asthma with a only an annual flare up once in Jan or Feb each year if I catch a virus.This year I caught 2 viruses more or less back to back and spent the whole of January and February struggling with a tight chest and exhaustion. The viruses were actually pretty mild but really kicked off the asthma. I had 5 days of steroids but maybe needed more.

I started to build up my fitness during March and was feeling pretty good again. Then I looked after my baby grandson for 2 nights to give mum and dad a break and caught his virus. Off goes the tight chest again despite my MART routine so I was quick to get steroids. 5 days later I was so unwell with a horrendous wet cough the dr gave me another course of steroids and Doxycycline. 12 days from the start I am feeling a lot better in myself, peak flow and sats OK but my chest just feels weird, not the usual tight band but uncomfortable and tight higher up, almost across my shoulder blades. Its hard to describe but just not right, I'm still very tired and get breathless doing normal things. I am nowvtaking 6 puffs of Fostair. I wonder if it's strain from the constant coughing? I guess it takes time to recover and I am 61 now so maybe won't bounce back like I used to?

This is the most unwell I have been for many, many years 😢.

[Itswonderful]

sorry to hear you're not well. This winter has been particularly tough for us. Many viruses and bacteria in the air and we are vulnerable to picking them up. I've had several courses of pred and doxycycline and also a two week course of Co-trimozole ( spell check!). Which is another antibiotic and now I'm left with the gagging cough 😷. Have you had a sputum sample sant to the path lab? Mine showed a persistent bacteria that kept coming back plus others that were different each time. It can take a while for things to settle after the meds finish but go back if you are still not feeling yourself as tho year reoccurring respiratory infections in asthmatics seem to be the thing. Get well but don't push yourself. It certainly takes a good while to get back on track. Hydration and not being in stressful situations help. Best wishes to you. X

[SingleCatLady]

Sorry to hear you're still unwell - viruses have also kicked my butt this Winter! Could you have strained a muscle whilst coughing? Maybe try Deep Heat rub or something similar and see if that eases it. If it does, then you'll know it's muscular - if it doesn't, it might not be muscular. Keep on at your GP, and good luck x

[madonbrew]

Wow, I’m not surprised it’s taking time for you to recover. It sounds like you’ve had lots to deal with! 3 lots of pred is lots which you’ve obviously needed!

I don’t have any great advice other than to take care of you! And don’t leave it too long before getting help!!

Really hope you start feeling better soon!

Dee

[Patk1]

I'd make an appointment with Dr before bank hol weekend.u need to know if its yr asthma and/or muscle strain and to get advice on how to proceed xx