I don’t think my asthma was properly diagnosed for years. I think I have an atypical type. I was exposed to noxious fumes in 2010, for only a few minutes. I was removing belongings from my late mom’s home after her bedroom floor was sealed against animal odors. The smell was so strong, it was February and the windows were closed. A week later I visited a pulmonologist and was given Advair. It worked fine for a long time. I add I have moderate restrictive lung disease from scoliosis. Several partial surgical corrections were achieved. Then I developed polymyalgia rheumatica requiring moderate doses steroids over the last 6 years. Those doses <15mgm prednisone, never mitigated my shortness of breath but weakened my muscles. Staying in from Covid made me so deconditioned over the last 3 years. Past Fall I got my usual flu shot and, over the ensuing 2 weeks, my oxygen levels dropped into the 80s. Went to hospital, placed on oxygen, and given mega steroid doses which helped. Stayed 4 days and I was placed on home oxygen. I add I am allergic to neomycin and that is in the flu shot but it never bothered me before until now. Chest CT scan showed no disease.
I await a slot for pulmonary rehab but it’s backed up. I am 80 and a retired nurse-anesthetist. Trying what I can do at home to improve my condition. Never smoked, never cough and have no phlegm.
Painful chest when breathing at night
EMERGENCY KIT FOR ASTHMA
