Recent flare up

[cris0105]

Hi guys,

Very new to this and keen to get a view from those with similar experiences.

I was diagnosed with asthma when wasaround 8/9 years old, but never had any symptoms until around a year or so ago (I'm 29 now). About a year or so back I experienced chest tightness etc and GP said it was my asthma. Up to that point had never even thought about Asthma. I then had my first attack about 3 months ago which after 5 days of Prednisone cleared up and never thought about it again. Every now and then I'd feel slightly breathless when I woke up but would clear up pretty quick.

One month ago though things changed and I had a more severe attack which I think brought on a panic attack alongside and made me very anxious about my asthma and I had to stay overnight at A&E. I had a nebuliser and since then have had 5 days worth of Pred, and whilst things are better, and it's considerably more managable than it was the first week or two after, It's been a month and I still can't excercise without feeling breathless, I still have times where I am struggling in the evenings and waking up at night.

My peak flow is around 450-500, and oxygen levels are always 99/100 but I am still not back to normal and I'm not sure why. I know I don't have symptoms nearly comparible with some others on here, but I am just curious as to if this is something you think will improve over time if I keep taking my preventer (2 x twice a day) and my blue one when required, or if I need to change treatment as symptoms have always cleared in a few days before.

Keen to get some thoughts, and thanks in advance for all replies.

[Chip_y2kuk]

It could be pollen?... I'm allergic to pollen and am really suffering in this heat (despite taking quite a bit more the usual)

It can take a while to recover after such an event and every little thing will make your airways twitchy

[ChrissieMons]

I think you may be in this for a long term. Once you get into a routine where your breathing is more stable you can work on getting back to your usual fitness, but being calm and accepting should help. Anxiety makes asthma a lot worse. The preventer should eliminate the need for the blue one in time - if not go back to the GP. Think of seeing how you are in, say, 4 to 6 months’ time. Don’t rush things.

[cris0105 in reply to ChrissieMons]

Interesting, I figured that my chest has taken a bit of a battering.

Have seen the GP this morning and he has suggested moving from Qvar to a Fostair inhaler to get more control.Fingers crossed this works. Any experience with this inhaler?

[Hally1973 in reply to cris0105]

I think many of us have been struggling lately. What I have found in the last 3 months is that when I go to the gym I find it really difficult for a good 15 minutes of cardio vascular. To the point where I think, man this is a bad idea, but being stubborn (another asthma trait) I keep pushing and eventually my lungs open. I'm rediscovering my limits after a bad spell. Maybe this is what would help you, to understand your limits?