Asthma questions.

[samanthaash1993]

Hi. My name's Samantha. I'm 24, and am being tested for both asthma and bronchiectasis. I was borm 3 months early and suffered a pneumothorax and emphysema when I was a month old or so. All through my life, I've had recurrent chest infections, bronchitis, pleurisy, tracheitis and normal chest infections. Finally, in the last few months, Am I being listened too by medical professionals, as before, they never listened. I've had a spirometary, ct scan and chest X-ray. Chest x-ray showed dark parts in my lungs. Waiting on Ct results. Currently on beclametazone clenel inhaler, a spacer, (mini spacer, airochamber) and a salamol ease-breathe inhaler.

[Caroline-1]

Hi Samantha,

sorry to hear about all this, but at least they are *finally* taking you seriously,

I aspirated with reflux 2 years ago and had a onslaught of infections, onset of asthma and now bronchiectasis (from the scarring). I recently saw a new physio and she taught me airway clearance techniques - which have completely changed my day! (previously fatigue, low oxygen, feeling crappy, etc etc)

Anyway, if you are struggling with mucus from the bronch, then id be happy to let you know techniques I use. its been so effective and can clear months and months of mucus apparently.

best wishes with results, I know it a worrying time x

[Pearly1 in reply to Caroline-1]

Hi Caroline. I have allergic asthma and bronchiectasis (they don’t know where from ) but if possible could you give me the link or details for the techniques for clearing the lung please x

[Caroline-1 in reply to Pearly1]

Hi, I don't have a link but the following is what I do ...

use a 1 litre bottle, fill half of it with water.

use (ideally hospital tube) or 2 large straws together

blow into water to make bubbles....not too soft, but not too hard

(if you get light headed then blowing too hard)

blow - counting to 5

do this 8 times

rest a few minutes

repeat process another 7 times

so, 8 blows each cycle.....8 cycles in total.

ideally do a 'huffing' technique in between (google it)

it sounds a lot, but its not so bad, and if helps - then you will happily do it.

my husband counted for me until I got used to it.

I brought up so much the first few times I did it, and energy levels went right up...as I could breath properly again!

let me know how goes

best of luck

[Foxy79 in reply to Caroline-1]

Hi Caroline

Thanks will try it out but health is bad I'm on so many things well merry Christmas and happy new year take care

[Foxy79]

Hi Samantha

I'm sorry to hear about your health and specially so young my heart goes out to you I remember when I was that age and had astma issues well just want to say don't give up there are treatments and help with advice take it when you get it right the way and welcome to u

[gerrytlloyd]

What you have been suffering sounds worse than many people can say. My asthma has reared its head on returning to live in England, Plymouth to be exact - where a nurse told me she also developed asthma after moving here. I have found that all the meds have side-effects and some are too powerful for my body to handle, especially the steroidal preventer called beclomethasone ('haven't tried any other preventer.) Almost accidentally, I found that sucking on dispersible aspirin tablets seemed to have a positive effect for me, sometimes very effective against asthma depending on the situation (humidity in cold air is my biggest enemy.) So I wrote a blog and set up a facebook page. People have said that aspirin triggers their asthma but I think that sometimes virtually anything can trigger it when it is about to 'pounce' anyway. (Once my cat pounced on the bed and it triggered an asthma spell but that could never happen in summer or in a dry climate.) bit.ly/salamol and facebook.com/aspirin2relief/

[Foxy79 in reply to gerrytlloyd]

Hi RE asthma

I'm foxy79

My asthma was passed from my grandfather I think but as far as I know cats fair triggers asthma asprin like ibroufin asprin can trigger astma to much striods can trigger it as well even cold definitely triggers it I have astma stage 3 broncechtisis emphysema copd respiratory type 2 I'm on oxygen nebulizer and bipeb machine everyday I'm 37 years old I had this since 2 years I'm waiting for a transplant for me it all started with asthma then someone passed it as people comeing in UK don't get health check and bring disease with them and then I had a car accident guy was drink driving it's a challenge everyday but if you can maintain it your OK if not ecxerbation and you will end in hospital I haven't been hospital 13 months I hope you know all the cause that can trigger it if not learn it please best for you thanks for replying