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no trigger at all

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hi new to forum just wanted to ask if like myself can asthma always be there without having bad attack or trigger. i had really bad flu last christmas and ever since its been nearly weekly trip to docs , my main symptom seems to be the dreaded cough usually at night ,most nights wake breathless but not sure if this is due to mucus or if the breathlessness comes first , sorry i know that doesn`t really seem to make sense !at present waiting to see consultant and have started on steriod inhaler and reliever inhaler ,this after a course of steriod tablets which were great but after coming off them i find i am going backwards up nearly everynight coughing . have been told that i am using blue inhaler too often (3 to 6 times daily ) but if i don`t use it i find myself shallow breathing and trying not to talk to people is case i bring on coughing fit. does anyone have any advise on whether i should use it or not ?

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Yes you should definitely use your blue inhaler if you need it. It isn't ideal to be using it that often because it shows that your asthma isn't controlled, but you can't really use it ""too often"".

I do know what you mean about not having a trigger but more constant symptoms, and I think if you read more posts on here you will find others who have said the same. I have only ever had a few real ""attacks"", but tend to have periods where a cough/cold/infection makes my symptoms worse and I have constant symptoms for a week or two.

Hello & first of all, welcome to the forum. You can generally find the answer to any asthma related question here somewhere as there is people with mild through to some with very difficult asthma.

I've also had a bad year after colds/flu last christmas, the worst for me yet asthma wise with several courses prednisolone in as many months and then a referral to see a respiratory consultant. I do know what sets it off sometimes but quite often there is nothing obvious which is frustrating especially when more frequent and limits what one can do.

Just wondering what your doctors have said over the year. Have you had just your ventolin inhaler most of the year as you say you have recently started steriod & reliever inhalers? Also, do you have a peak flow meter or spacer - can be prescribed, an action plan or see an asthma nurse at your GP practice? There is plenty of options to try so keep asking if needed and see someone else if you are not getting anywhere.

3 to 6 times a day of ventolin use does mean it may not be well managed. Have also been told I can have as much as needed but if it is not helping much, go back. Watch out for the 'sally shakes' after having a fair amount of ventolin aka salbutamol.

I have been told I may have some loss of breathing control although not hyperventilation. I have seen a respiratory physio who basically said breathe from the diaphragm and not shallow breathing just using chest muscles.

There is useful info across the green menu bar at the top of all the AUK pages & particularly 'All about asthma'.

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