How are your lungs after an asthma flare triggered by virus?

[Daisy_FC]

I'm just curious really, since this is not the first time I have experienced it and so it's not a shock to me (and I have an appointment with the asthma nurse booked) I wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience?

I have just had a chest infection which worsened my asthma. 2 weeks off work so far, steroids, antibiotics. I'm at that point where the infection has pretty much cleared.

Walking, talking (being the main two) but also generally going about everyday things seem to have a weird effect. So my lungs feel as if they are not working fast enough? I don't feel that obstruction of my airways closing, and I don't feel like I'm drowning like i typically would in reaction to a trigger. But, my lungs feel heavy, achy, and kind of like they won't move properly! I struggle to talk when this happens and ventolin does help. Its bizarre and I find it very hard to describe, but I did have this after my last virus-chest-asthma issue. Does anyone else experience "weakened lungs" I know I may not be making much sense but it is so hard to describe and I would be curious to know if other people get this!?

[Poobah]

Hi Hen. Yes that sounds very familiar to me. It's as though the lungs have lost their elasticity and it's harder to get enough air on each breath.

I've found that regular breathing exercises help while standing or sitting. Just so the lungs are given a work out that isn't too strenuous. Then I incorporate gentle walks. Doing more until you feel better. But I wouldn't do them until you think the infection is cleared and you're on the recovery side of things.

The way I look at it, if you have an injury you are likely to recover the muscle strength by doing physio exercises until the affected area has regained strength. Lungs are more likely to perform better if we exercise them and like other parts of the body, rehabilitation is key to the best kind of recovery.

This is just one example and there are many more available blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

[Daisy_FC in reply to Poobah]

That is really interesting thank you for the link. I had never thought about it that way before but it makes a lot of sense!

[Clairebear35]

I feel your pain, it’s horrible. I usually take weeks before I feel even able to walk a bit and even then I get so tired that I feel wiped out. I was told by my dairs nurse to rest as much as possible and when I feel up to it to just go gentle and listen to my body and if I find it’s too much rest. I really hope you feel better soon 😊

[Cross-fit]

Hi Hen. I know exactly what you mean! I get this every time I’ve had a winter virus. My lungs end up feeling like wood. Like Poobah said it’s like they’ve lost their elasticity. At the time it feels like I’ll never be better, but they do always settle down. I just sleep and rest when I’m like that. It’s exhausting! Just look after yourself and any residual inflammation will settle with time. It does take time though! Good luck. Take care x

[Daisy_FC]

Yes! Your replies are the first time anyone has said they have had a similar experience, mostly people just look at me like I am mad because it is a strange thing to describe!

I saw a Dr yesterday who seemed to understand and has given me some brilliant advice too, fingers crossed!