being diagnosed two weeks ago with astham i am still getting to grips with it and have a few questions. i hope it is to ask them here. the first one is that my asthma nurse said about my airways twiching as well as being inflamed. that confused me a bit. i didnt realise that asthma could do that and i was interested to know if anyone could advise me a bit more on that or tell me where on this site i could find out about it as i either havent found the right place or have been going round with my eyes closed!!!
i also got started on a green disc salmetorol inhaler 50 microgram twice a day yesterday as well as the two puffs twice a day of the brown one and then blue reliever as needed. my asthma nurse said that the green one should help with the twiching too. ive been trying to read the leaflet with this inhaler and it said it is a protector but im having trouble working out how it 'protects'. im afraid i go to see the asthma nurse and only think of the questions after ive left, usually when the surgery is closed and then i forget them all again!!!
my last question is can strong emotions and stress trigger asthma? its just i was really emotional the other day and started getting wheezing and coughing and stuff.
I have had asthma for the past 13 years but only developed it at 21! I was scared at first too. Not heard about the twiching before? Dont' be afraid of asking too many questions that's what your asthma nurse and doctor are there for! It might help to keep a little diary or notepad of all the things that pop into your head to discuss on your next visit. I still do this after 13 years of doctors /hospitals. I have had that same inhaler before years ago but had to change as the powder in the discs made my cough worse. Some asthma attacks can be triggered by stress and personally this effects me too when I'm cross or upset. Try to keep calm (I know this is hard!) and if you need to, take a puff of your blue reliever.
It might be worth a post on the medical forum re twitching.
Hope I've helped
Take Care
Clare
Oooops. Just seen I was on medical forum.
Sorry Elenor hopefully someone can help.
Clare
By 'twitching' did she just mean constriction/narrowing of the airway?
If I describe my airways as being twitchy I usually mean that they are quite sensitive and symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and tight chest are easily triggered if that makes sense?
If you have a look at the link below from this website and read about 'long acting reliever inhalers' then it will explain how your green inhaler protects your lungs. It basically means that the inhaler opens the air way up for longer than your blue inhaler, typically around 12 hours, protecting them from broncospasm.
Also emotions and stress can influence your asthma, I know that if I've been crying or am particularly stressed then it makes my asthma worse which is why it's wise to always keep your blue inhaler handy.
Have you thought of keeping an ongoing list of questions you want to ask the nurse next time you see her? Then you could take it with you to your appointment which will mean you'll get the info and answers you need. I hope this helps a little bit, good luck!
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