Breathing difficulties but PF normal

[LizPat30]

Hi everyone, as I've posted before my asthma was only diagnosed a year ago and bronchiectasis just before so I'm still learning how to live with and manage both conditions but can you help me. Although my PF was normal at the beginning of this week I had a terrible tight chest with breathing difficulties. It felt as if I'd been doing some strenuous activity but this went on for 3 days and the reliever inhaler didn't help at all. My very helpful GP, on the phone didn't want to take any chances and although my temperature was fine and no increased sputum he's treating it as an exacerbation. So back on amoxicillin and the dreaded steroids. This is the second time this has happened in the last 4 months during a time when I haven't been out and about that much. Is this normal, why is the shortness of breath not reflected in my PF score. As always any info would be brilliant.

Ps My GP also said he'd prefer it if I went back into shielding even though I'm not living in a hot spot. A bit of a reality check!! Keep safe and well everyone and thank you as always for your support. Jo

[madonbrew]

Hi Jo,

Sorry to hear you’re not feeling well.

I don’t know anything about bronchiecstasis however I have severe asthma. My PF can sometimes be in my green zone or just into amber (On my asthma plan)and I am really sob! It seems some people’s peak flow isn’t always a reliable source of an asthma attack, although obviously if it drops then you know. On the asthma forum there are definitely people whose PF doesn’t drop in an asthma attack.

Hope you’ll feel better with your course of steroids and antibiotics!

I too have had 2 rounds of steroids and antibiotics in 4 months despite not doing much. Not really sure what is the cause. I do averagely have 4 courses per year, but usually during the winter.

Someone else might have some more useful information but I hope you feel better soon!

Dee

[LizPat30 in reply to madonbrew]

Thank you so much for replying that's really helpful , I suppose I'll get to understand what is normal for me.

[madonbrew in reply to LizPat30]

It does take a while to figure it out sometimes. The important thing is never wait too long when you really can’t breathe before getting help.

Do you have an asthma plan? Hopefully your GP or asthma nurse should have gone through one with you so you know what to do as an when. If not, ring them and ask if they can do one with you!

I’m wondering if your preventer meds need tweaking if you are on your second round of pred & anitibiotics.

[LizPat30 in reply to madonbrew]

My preventer inhaler Relvar was changed in May. I started on the high dose Relvar last September , consultant said could go to lower dose in March if everything OK. This I did lasted until lunchtime on lower dose before breathing problems kicked in. The RESPS team suggested Fostair but consultant unhappy and put me back on high dose Relvar. I don't have an asthma plan only a bronchiectasis one.

[Ladyindistress79]

Sorry to hear you are going through so much. I have bronchiectasis and keep antibiotic and steroid in my wardrobe for an emergency and pray I never need to use them. I have been self isolating and find it mind destroying and now going out with mask on of course. I do hope you soon feel better.

[LizPat30 in reply to Ladyindistress79]

Thank you, look after yourself and keep safe and well xxxx

[Kattria]

Hi Jo, I have both illnesses for over 7 years now. Lately like you I have found tightness in chest and really believe it's because we haven't been getting enough fresh air in open spaces due to shielding. I do tai chi on zoom and u tube most days if I can and go for short walks in park or graveyard where my husband is buried. ! Not too many about. Hope this helps and you get relief x kate