What’s wrong with me????

[Leeseey]

Hi. Just recently been diagnosed with asthma Nov19. Last 4 years each winter following virus have developed awful cough lasting 12-16 weeks. The last 2 years I got antibiotics. Last year 1 week doxycycline sorted it out. No symptoms at all previously in whole life or during spring/summer. This September virus, started Salbutamol/Beclometasone immediately to no avail. 1 wk Amoxicillin and Flutiform nothing, 1 week co amoxiclav symptoms much improved but returned on stopping. 4:5 day break, another week of co amoxiclav and Symbicort. Almost better but returned again on stopping. Still on Symbicort and coughing lungs up. Gastric problems as well now despite stopping antibiotics. Acid, bloating/beaching nausea etc. Sputum sample clear. Bloods now taken. What’s wrong with me??? Any advice greatly appreciated 😔 so tired of being ill/ constantly coughing. Non smoker, no family history of lung conditions and I’m 43 with now. Had the flu jab as asthma nurse said it was just asthma and cough returned 10 fold. Also caught laryngitis early December. Coughing up white frothy phlegm constantly which has turned yellow and green now reverted back to white. Phlegm stopped and coughing greatly reduced on last round of antibiotics but GP now stumped. Please help.

[Tugun]

Hi,

Viruses and Bacterial chest infections could have lowered your immune system. The other thing is that when you take antibiotics, they also kill the healthy bacteria in your system. You possibly need to take prebiotics and probiotics to help rebuild your gut bacteria which help to keep the body healthy.

You possibly need to really concentrate on building your immune system back up again. There are also certain vitamins and minerals that the body uses more of in times of stress (and having the flu etc is a stress to the body) so you may need to take more of these at this time to help you body recover. Rest is also very important. A good naturopath or alternative medicine doctor may be able to help you with what is needed. When I was really sick with a chest infection I also got intravenous Vitamin C which helped a bit.

Take care.

[knitter]

Have you been referred to a respiratory consultant at all?

Have you been been prescribed an alternative to Symbicort? I have tried combined inhalers in the past and find I do better on a single steroid preventer with a single bronchodilator if necessary.

We are all different, and react differently to medications.

You say you have had a blood test, hopefully that may show you if you have any lingering infection.

Have you had any allergy tests?

X-ray or CT scan?

Have you been checked for post nasal drip or acid reflux ?

As Tugun says , try and build your immune system up again, plenty of fresh fruit and veg , protein for repair. Check to see if some foods make mucus worse.try Pre and pro biotic foods or drinks , I found the pills made me feel sick, you may be ok. I take a multivitamin and extra vit C after food.Be careful with your stomach though.

Onions and garlic, a bit antisocial maybe, again be careful with reflux.

Try gentle, nose breathing sessions too. Sips of water, honey and soothing lozenges.

Rinse your mouth with clear water after to protect your teeth. Also rinse after your preventer inhaler.

Have you been referred to pulmonary rehab classes?

For those in the UK, the BLF have a helpline on 03000 030 555. Asthma UK do too.

Best wishes and I hope you get a solution soon.

[Sparkywoo]

It must feel like there’s no end to it. In my experience when my lungs get upset and inflamed it can take up to two months for them to settle down. In my head (rightly or wrongly) I picture my lungs all irritated, red and swollen - because you can’t see them it’s easy to forget how upset they are. As others have said focus on building your immune system and definitely take pre/probiotics to counter the antibiotics. If it doesn’t ease ask for a referral to a respiratory consultant. I was in such a state I paid £180 to see one privately. Best money I’ve ever spent

[GintyFerguson]

Get referred to respiratory specialist. Could be anything . People with bronchiectasis cough up a lot of phlegm and you dont need to be a smoker to get it.

[powderpuff]

It could be you need combination antibiotics or a much longer course & don’t be fooled by phlegm colour, white can also be due to infection.