Coping with breathlessness

[lucia_m]

Hi all. Hope everyone is managing to stay as well as possible under these difficult circumstances.

I need to ask for a bit of advice/support. I have severe asthma, and often struggle with breathlessness during activities that for most people my age wouldn’t present a problem (brisk walking, stairs, gentle exercise eg slow yoga, etc).

I find this embarrassing, as well as a bit scary. I realise I shouldn’t be embarrassed but I can’t really help it, especially if I’m with other people and feel like I can’t keep up. I’m sure the reason it’s scary is obvious to most people on here, so I probably don’t need to spell that out.

The breathlessness usually resolves with ventolin, but when it’s bad I need several puffs and to sit quietly in a recovery position trying to calm my breathing, which all feels a bit dramatic. I get extremely tired as well.

At the moment it’s impossible for me to get into a routine with exercise or even being moderately active - I do things when I can, but often feel like I can’t.

I realise this is one of the challenges of severe asthma and therefore something I need to come to terms with, but if anyone has any tips on how to pace yourself and tailor activities according to capability - plus coping with the embarrassment of feeling ‘different’ - I’d really appreciate it.

[Muldrew]

Hiya

Doesn’t sound too good perhaps discuss with GP or Asthma Nurse

Also Asthma UK helpline v helpful

Taking ventolin is fine but if you need it a lot it’s appropriate to talk to your care team

Doing even a tiny bit of exercise at home each or most days is a good idea

So sorry it’s so difficult right now and hope that talking to your care team or Asthma UK will help a bit

Good luck 😊

[twinkly29]

Agree that you should probably talk to your nurse or doctor but alongside that this might be worth a go

lifeguidehealth.org/player/...

Breathing exercises recommended by a respiratory physio - ok doing these regularly won't change anything underlying that needs more medical treatment (hence talking to you team as well) but it can really help some of the day to day symptoms as we often need to remind our bodies how to breathe properly.

[Itswonderful in reply to twinkly29]

Definitely. I sometimes feel I need to get a refresher course on breathing.

[twinkly29 in reply to Itswonderful]

The site I linked to is really good. A previous respiratory physio suggested it (I'd been seeing him but was moving area) and the physios at the hospital were keen to know about it.

[lucia_m]

I’m talking to my primary team but they’re quite focused on treatment (as opposed to management). I’m on maximum therapy so they don’t really know what to do with me, though they are supportive. I may get access to better support through a referral - and my gp thinks I may be a candidate for biologics - but since referrals are taking forever at the moment I thought it would be good to ask for tips on here.

[Gareth57]

Have you tried ventolin before you start your walk? It can help reduce the need later.

[lucia_m in reply to Gareth57]

I always take it before doing what I consider proper exercise. I think the trouble is I’m still getting used to the much lower threshold I now have for needing it, if that makes sense. Like, before my asthma got this bad I wouldn’t have needed it before just walking, and I guess I’m still in that mindset to an extent. I probably need to be more aware, but that can be easier said than done.

[LeiLey]

Sorry to hear you’re struggling. Maybe not the same as I’m not severe, but I’m interested to hear the replies on how to manage breathlessness especially things like when doing the stairs, walking fast etc. And how to cope with it in front of others. Easier said than done, but don’t feel embarrassed - you can’t help having asthma, hopefully you get some further help soon/referred for further help. Take care.