Hi

When in bed, sleep propped up on as many pillows as you can. I find the air gets stuffy so open a window a crack if you can. It is early days. The Asthma Nurse will be able to help, (sometimes more than the GP). Ask for a copy of your spirometry test, and ask her to explain to you what the figures on the test mean. When you are short of breath, have a fan gently wafting air near your face also can help. There are loads of new medication around. How about allergy tests as allergies can change.

Remove any scented candles of any scents that affect you. Don't use aerosols as you will find that will bother you as well. Are you going back to see the Respiratory Team, or the Asthma Clinic at the hospital?

Keep taking whatever meds they recommend, even when you feel well.

There are loads of friendly people on this site who will be glad to offer advice based on their experiences.

I hope you are feeling better. My first thought for you is diet. I suggest you read "The 3 Season Diet" by John Douillard. A lot of foods create mucus. My second thought is deep breathing exercises. I suggest you try some deep breathing exercises when you are feeling better. Go on the web and type in PeacefulWarrior.com. The Peaceful Warrior workout turned things around for me. These deep breathing exercises reduced my asthma symptoms considerably. You and your doctor could decide if this workout is right for you.

It takes five minutes a day and probably will not make you sweat. If you want to read about

how an active and fit person deals with asthma, you could read my book, "Running with Asthma: An Asthmatic Runner's Memoir," available onamazon.com. There are many strategies in the book on how to exercise with asthma. One thing I need to emphasize. Exercise and asthma go together once the asthma is under control. Try to get the asthma under control first. Then start an exercise program that you and your doctor agree on.

I hope this helps. John Douillard's book, "Body, Mind and Sport" is another good one to read.

Yours for better breathing,

John Terry McConnell

Hi John, thanks for replying. My diet is good. I'm actually gluten free since post chemo as it caused IBS. Also try to avoid too much dairy and eat lots of fresh veg and fruit, some of which I grow. I'm feeling a lot better, wheeze has gone and I can walk a good distance with dog and work in the garden with tightening up. Will see what tomorrow's spirometer tests show and take it from there. Will look up your suggestions re breathing exercises. I sing in a choir and I try to do our choir warm up each morning, which includes breathing exercises.