Asthma advice

Hi,

I had coronavirus mid October and its exasperated my asthma. I'd never really struggled with my asthma pre-covid. I was fit and well walking 15000 steps a day and exercising 5 times a week. I've had my asthma inhaler changed to fostair 100. I just want some general advice really. I still have back pain / chest tightness, ruttle when I breathe and my peak flow hasn't gone up. Could I need to have my inhaler increased? Its so frustrating I did some light stretch exercise today and it was recorded as sport by my fitness tracker as my heart rate is really irratic. I miss pre-covid workouts etc

[Maryhart Partner Asthma Educator]

Hi!

Wow! Covid is so unpredictable in how it affects people in different ways. I’ve had COVID too and my fatigue and shortness of breath with exercise is much more noticeable since then. I’m slowly improving but it’s challenging.

I would say you need to contact your healthcare provider - they may want to change a few things with your treatment plan to help improve lung function and reduce symptoms.

In health,

Mary

[hilary39]

So sorry to hear you are dealing with lingering effects. What does your GP say? I had issues with my heart after coid--pericarditis and tachycardia (like my pulse racing from 90-120 in the span of 30 seconds while I was lying in bed) for about three months until it went away. Definitely make sure your doctors or pulmonologist are keeping an eye on you. Did you get a chest xray?

[Hidden in reply to hilary39]

Hi

Its rubbish! I've not had a chest xray and just the one appointment with the asthma nurse. I need to get back in touch with both as I can only walk for about 20 minutes before the joint pain start and my breathing when I do walk feels like when you run and your chest feels tight! I've also got a weird ruttle when I breath basically it doesn't feel clear 😕

[Tree20862 in reply to Hidden]

Keep in touch with your doctor.

I have heard that some people take more time to build up stamina. Be kind to yourself and take the time your body needs to heal.

[Hidden in reply to Tree20862]

Thank you! I've had a follow up today and the asthma nurse seemed quite positive as my peak flow has come up a little and I'm not waking up in the night having to use my reliever inhaler. My evening medication has been changed to clear the mucus and cough. I guess its just giving it time for everything to work. Its only been a few weeks.