Severe shortness of breath

[SkyGazer177]

Hi Everyone

On Wednesday evening, I went out for a walk but returned home after 30 minutes as weather was very cold. I came home and ate my dinner ( seriously, my cooking aint that bad). Around 30 minutes later, my airways started closing. I was so short of breath and could hardly breathe. I took two puffs of the blue inhaler ( salamol) but was really struggling. ( I tried to keep calm, pursed breathing and telling myself to keep calm) I took another 6 puffs of the inhaler which did not help at all. I was wheezing and really struggling to breathe. My head felt like it was going to explode. This all went on for a good 40 minutes. A little voice in my head said call an ambulance but I didnt. It scared me, as it came out of the blue and I worry cos the blue inhaler did not help me. I was as right as rain a hour later.

Does any of you guys have this sort of thing come on out of the blue?

Wishing you all a good weekend. Christine

[MoyB]

You may already know this, but if not, can I suggest you cover your mouth with a scarf if you go out in cold weather? Our chests can often react to the low temperature and, combined with activity (walking) that may have been what happened to you.

Have you ever had a test for asthma? I see you have a diagnosis of Emphysema (my dad had it too, so I know what you mean about it always being there in your mind) but wonder if you may possibly have asthma as well?

I would certainly discuss what happened with your GP or respiratory nurse and ask for their help with how to manage it if it should happen again, whether you need any further tests and if you can be supported by the community RESP nurses. This may be 'over the top', but if you don't ask, you don't get.

I had a sudden asthma attack myself yesterday and know how frightening it is when you can't get your breath.

I hope you're feeling better again now.

xx Moy

[SkyGazer177 in reply to MoyB]

Thanks for your reply MoyB

I am ok now. Yes, I know I should use a scarf to cover my mouth in the cold weather, i shall dig one out and start using it.

I am going to contact the doctor and see what he says. i have developed a bit of a chest cough since yesterday, so whether that had something to do with it, i dont know.

Wishing you a lovely weekend

[MoyB in reply to SkyGazer177]

Hope your appt with the doctor goes well. Xx Moy

[Alberta56]

Do see your doctor. Something similar happened to me 9 years ago. It's been sorted and I'm fine now.

[Biker88]

If in doubt but don’t want to call 999 call 111 instead they can then decide if you need to be checked over by a paramedic or they can arrange for you to see your GP the next day.

[Topsy-Turvey]

I completely agree to covering your mouth and nose from the cold air..I.use a running buff and or sometimes my covid masks. x

[pepparuby1]

I have this when I go out for walks ( even 10 minutes) in cold weather! I don’t like to cover my mouth as I can’t breathe but I can normally recover in 5 minutes so it does sound like you either have a chest infection and need antibiotics and steroids or get checked out. Yes I’d be terrified calling an ambulance - but as someone mentioned 111 is a good idea. My recovery takes longer to catch my breath but I’m constantly moving around to keep well. Good luck

[JenWro]

hello Stsrgazer Can I ask. Could you talk Since I had a similar experience but just could not catch my breath or talk so there was no way I could have phoned for help. It lasted for 5 minutes. Thankyou for posting I’ve just seen this after posting my quest for help and thankyou MoyB for your answers will be trying that too. ❤️