Speaking exacerbates my asthma

[Ohlungs]

Hi everyone,

I've had an asthma flare up for the last two months and I'm struggling to manage my symptoms.

Recently I've noticed that speaking for more than 5 minutes in conversation starts to exacerbate my symptoms. I'm sure those around me are relieved I am speaking less though

Has anyone else experienced this? If so, any advice or observations?

Thanks!

[Aisling30]

Hi Ohlungs, I have had asthma all my life but two years ago I had a very bad flu. I was googling as I do and I came across a recipe for ginger tea. I decided to try it. What I did was put half a lemon in a cup, grate some fresh ginger into the cup then add two teaspoons of fairly good honey. Pour boiling water in and let the ginger steep then drink this. It is delicious and what I found out is that ginger is an anti-inflammatory which is great for asthma. This was used in ancient times. I have been taking in the last two years and it has helped my asthma considerably. It helps your lungs relax and you don't need to use your inhaler so much. I have told lots of people who gaven't got asthma to drink this through the winter to avoid flu and they have all said how it helps them. Do try it!

[Ohlungs in reply to Aisling30]

Thanks! Will do!

[MMBJI]

Hi Ohlungs,

I am 6 weeks on from an attack and also find that overuse of my voice has me reaching for my blue inhaler.

I am afraid that I don’t have any tips, I am just avoiding using my voice too much!

[ChrissieMons]

Not being able to talk properly means your asthma is not well controlled. You might need to just rest more until the current flare is under control, or you might need to go back to the doctor if you feel you just aren't making any progress. Go easy on yourself.

[purple64]

I'm the same at the moment if I talk too much I end up coughing non stop. Been like this for about 5 weeks. Losing my voice a bit now, so exhausting.

[damascena]

I have always observed this. Until I consulted with a speech therapist and discovered I breathed wrong when I spoke, thus exacerbation of symptoms! After a few sessions and exercises at home this has lessened significantly.

[lucymockingjay]

Lol sorry but this sounds so familiar. I get like this a lot.

First thing, I would say is although it sounds obvious is make sure you are using your inhalers regularly. It can help. Also as others have said, it suggests your asthma is not controlled properly so it is worth chatting to the asthma nurse at your doctors or the gp if you or not under the care of hospital doctors.

By the time your struggling to talk it can mean your getting into dangerous ground with your breathing as things can change quite quickly so it does need to be looked at. I

It could just mean you need a change in meds or some steroids.

I discovered every time I reduced my steroids I had further attacks and it was the hospital pharmacist who suggested to the doctor it could be lack of steroids in my body causing the problems as you need something like 7/5mg of steroid in you so every time I went below this I had further attacks. Now I am on a minimum dose of 10mg so I have less boomerang hospital stays than before. I'm also less breathless.

It can be trial and error but please don't leave getting help too long because it can be exhausting especially this time of year.

Take care. Love and hugs.

[Jjude1003]

Ditto to all above. I was also diagnosed with Vocal Chord Dysfunction (VCD) which seems to be an issue for some people that also have asthma and can cause shortness of breath. A good speech therapist helped me with that.