Tight chested all spring and summer

[Alauralane]

It has happened again this year, last year in March I developed a tight chest and asthma symptoms, though frustratingly I do not wheeze much so my chest sounds clear, after all the usual checks, spirometry etc was told it was my asthma, though I took my steroid inhaler and my reliever when needed my tight chest only let up around October, I do have multiple food allergies and am allergic to so many triggers like pollen and mould, I have to carry an EpiPen for milk and shellfish, I got through the winter not too bad, just a flare up with a cold, then bam spring being late this year the beginning of April here I go again, tight chested and short of breath, reliever only working somewhat, peak flow picks up well after reliever 350 before 430-50 after, I am a 49kg woman of 48, so values are normal, but still feel tight chested, it really unsettles me and interfears with everyday life and tasks, I do not relish the thought that I have got to go till winter for some relief, anyone else out there found relief from this seasonal exasberation?. Thank you.

[elanaoali]

I would recommend that you go back to your doctors and tell them whats going on with your asthma. Needed to use your ventolin inhaler everyday even though you are on a preventer? Is a sign your asthma isnt under control. Best advice see asthma uk website and ringing asthma uk helpline open monday-friday 9am -5pm. See site for number.

[Alauralane in reply to elanaoali]

Thank you I intend to do that, I had multiple doctors visits last year and because my chest is silent and I do not wheeze much and never cough the doctors take a lot of convincing, I wanted to hear if possible from anyone else who has similar seasonal flare ups, and how they manage them. Thank you again.

[Sophieanouska]

Hi, I developed Asthma last year for the first time. I live in the Caribbean and it is triggered by allergies. I have just had another flare up. I, like you, have NO wheezing. It is so strange... and it is so gradual that i only realise i' m having a flare up when I'm actually quite bad. I will slowly get more and more tired and feel awful (over the course of say 4-6 weeks). My breathing seems normal (no wheezing), but shorter breaths. I have preventer inhaler called Symbicort and the Ventolin in case of emergency. Recently I had to do a burst of steroids. I feel a mess, and it has made me anxious as i cant believe i let it get that bad. BUT as I explained it is so gradual that I do not realise. Antihistamines....I take every day. It's a real bore and limits my life/work. I guess i am just writing this as i am pleased to have found someone else that presents with no wheezing! I was wondering sometimes if i was making it it up in my head!

[strongmouse]

My son has recently developed a dust mite allergy and had severe reaction which has taken him time to bring under control. He was prescribed montekulast and this has made a big difference for him. As you mention the seasonal nature of your worse symptoms I wonder this would help with your allergies? Worth asking your doctor to try it if you are not already on it.