My asthma

[p3smith]

Hi

My asthma has been diagnosed for 20 years, (I am now 61) although as a child my cough always stayed for a lot longer than the cold. I have always had a 'bark' when I cough. However, once diagnosed I have used an inhaler night and morning and have not really noticed any real problems until this year. I had a bad cold which kept me off work for two weeks at the beginning of the year which meant I was coughing really badly. I doubled my medication but this did not help the cough and I was eventually put on steroids for the first time in my life for 5 days. This was the first time I experienced the 'trying to breathe through a straw' syndrome. It was very frightening at the time and every time I coughed I was worried I would not be able to breathe properly.

I slowly got better and although I can't laugh without coughing I am nearly back to my 'normal' asthma cough. However, we were out at the weekend and I had another coughing attack in which I could not breathe. This time people around me were very kind and tried to help, but there is nothing they can do. My husband also feels so helpless when I can't breathe.

Has anybody out there any advice in this situation. The only thing that helps me, is to swallow heavily several times until I can get air into my lungs. The only plus is that it has not yet happened at night. I don't enjoy good sleep every night, but at least I don't get coughing fits......yet!

Just worried for the winter to come and more colds......................................

[Minushabens]

Do you have an asthma management plan at all? Just wondering if you're taking peak flow readings regularly & if there's any correlation with the readings & increased cough?

[p3smith in reply to Minushabens]

Hi

no I only use it if I get really bad. Generally it is only the cough that is annoying.

Does the doctor give you a management plan? I have never heard of this!

[Minushabens in reply to p3smith]

A management plan is basically a method of keeping an eye on your symptoms (usually via peak flow readings) & taking appropriate action in good time based on the readings. Usually a nurse practitioner will help you put it together.

Peak flow readings can be a predictor of a developing attack which is why I wondered if you notice any correlation between falling peak flow & worsening of your cough.

[p3smith]

Thx for your reply. I will certainly use my peak flow monitor more when the winter comes.