Asthma 'trial'

Hi Haggis the blue is to relieve pressure and helps you breathe, the brown is a long term anti-inflammatory probably Clenil..it's like a first step to helping out with your asthma. Check the Asthma UK website you will find it well-explained and in doubt phone a nurse there. Take care.

Hi haggisplant,

I've had asthma since I was in high school and I used to have both a brown (preventer) inhaler (which I no longer need) and my blue (reliever) inhaler which I still have and take two puffs of (for some reason my inhaler has been knocked down to on puff even though I have told both my doctor and asthma nurse that one isn't enough for me as I used to only have one pufff when I was first prescribed inhalers for my asthma (I have the inhaler that sort of looks like a darlek from doctor who as I cannot use the the inhalers that u have to shake before you use them as they "knock me for 6,so to speak) and I found out that the one puff wasn't enough for me and when I told either the doctor or asthma nurse about it they put my inhalers upto 2 puffs instead of the one.

Either next time you see either ur doctor or asthma nurse ask them to explain to them that they didn't explain to u why you need so much asthma medication as I've only got one inhaler. I was given a blueish green inhaler around this time last year as I had a cough that I couldn't shift and it was making me use my inhaler more, but I had to stop using the new inhaler as it was making me feel sick.

Thank you both!

I have fully explained - I'm not properly diagnosed asthmatic. I've had an appalling cough since November which improved with steroids, then worsened. Now on brown and blue.

The above info is really helpful - especislly the 'stuffy' feeling. Actually, I've started noticing short phases of feeling like I'm breathing clear fresh water (if that makes sense!) and noticed my nose is less stuffy too. I wonder if I've been a bit this way for a while.

The cough brought it to the 'fore' so to speak.

So I'm still in the fence actually as far as asthma nurse is concerned - but she said an increase in peak flow indicated asthma. That's fine, I'm getting accustomed to the idea I do have asthma (denial!) - at least at the moment. I'm not allergic to pets etc though.

So in a normal healthy person, the blue makes no change to their peak flow?

Well it would yes some athletes have been known to use it to boost their performance.

Diagnosing asthma is a complex process yes and accepting it if it is diagnosed takes time.

You will know if you feel better with or without your inhalers..my daughter for example just has the blue when she has a cold or chest infection then she resumes an ordinary life..

No worries and let us know how you are getting on :))

Thank you for your advice and support!

One question I have is could symptoms from exercise be delayed? Perhaps stupidly I tried a gentle jog this morning. I was fine afterwards - possibly a bit tight during but not out of breath. I've been coughing a lot this evening, not sure of any particular trigger.

I know this might be an unanswerable question!

Hi Haggis I was told to take 2 puffs of blue inhaler 15mn before exercise, so do that before you go jogging and take it with you in case you need another puff.

I don't know about your coughing tonight but if you cough and feel tight take a puff wait a minute then another. Measure your peakflow, Do you have a spacer or aerochamber that is very useful, ask the nurse to give you one and show you how to use it. You also have description in the Asthma UK website. Why don't you give the helpline a call tomorrow to talk to a nurse they are very kind and competent and have helped me lot in the past.

Have a good night :)))

Thanks Happy!

Yes I did puff blue before - I'm thinking it might be something else. I'm taking the blue regularly as a matter of course but had eased up a bit today as felt clearer. Who knows!

I'm not sure I 'know' my peak flow yet. It was slightly less during coughing, same as

I have a spacer thanks, and yes have had a chat to asthma uk, just keep thinking up new questions!

Thanks for your reply

I'm not sure if I'm being silly going into work tomorrow or not :/

I've clearly had a bit of an issue this morning; coughing and a lower peak flow. It was possibly triggered by stress? I'm not sure - I'm wondering if it's a bit chicken and egg, and I feel more stressed if tight chested? What ever it was, certainly when I felt better (had taken blue) peak flow had increased from 390 to 425 - not much but I noticed the difference in both breathing and tension.

Hence wondering about work! It's both stressful at times (though I've been stressed being off work) and I have to talk a lot. (Teacher of Sen children) .

I think it will be interesting to see how I go. I'll take the blue frequently!

I think asthma uk had said there are different treatments and it's wort trying different ones.

I'm keeping peak flow diary but also another one with extra bits (eg today).

Yes there is all sorts on the market, trial and error but you need to give it time except if you have an adverse reaction in which case you drop it.

Good for the peak flow diary and journal, a useful tool when you go back to the nurse, you are documented and it helps with answering the right questions..

Day by day Haggis ☀️☀️☀️

Just saw you were teaching SEN children! Very courageous and rewarding!

I remember when I had the nurture group for Spanish! thank God for the interactive whiteboard and the BBC primary schools videos! Alternating with worksheets for quiet time and personalized tuition, all different levels, over prepared and a fortune spent on stickers from the one-pound shop😃😃

Well we got through our 50 mn period without too many hair pulling and pencil stabbing then I had the GCSE group to concentrate on..

I loved teaching in comprehensive schools until I had to put in my 450 grades in the computer and was invaded with clerical duties.. I miss my form most, got some of them on FB, married, kids..

Good times, demanding times and many joys.

Take care Haggis 😊

Sorry late reply! Ha, yes a crazy job. It's jolly hard st the mo as things keep changing. We have to invent so much it takes so much time and energy. I do PPA cover so miss the regularity of one class; I teach 4 different classes over 2 days.

Another question!

I've ALWAYS had badly itching chin/ upper neck with bad coughs that linger. Had this on an off with this last one which has ended up being thought to be asthma.

Seems to pop up in Google. I'm guessing it's a common symptom?

I'm starting to think it's only really linked to viruses and bugs. Would that be cough variant asthma? Though now, I'm spotting random signs eg wheeze/ squeak, throat clearing etc despite last infection being 4-5 weeks ago (and treated successfully with abs).