Asthma Mystery

[Tengudreams]

Hi! I have been diagnosed with asthma. When I wake up in the morning my lungs ache and I feel chest constriction. The strangest thing is, as soon as I eat (doesn't matter what it is), I can breathe better. My respirologist said he has never heard of this. Could this be something like GERDS, or something? Any ideas, anyone? I've had blood tests done, ECG, Chest X Ray. Everything was good. Eating does not resolve asthma symptoms all day, but certainly the initial ones in the morning. I am on Symbicort 200 / 6 ... doing TWO puffs a day. I should also mention that exercising relieves the chest tightness too, and sometimes very quickly.

[ChrissieMons]

I think it's quite common to find that asthma is worse first thing. You've probably relaxed a bit by the time you've had breakfast. Exercising means you breathe better and deeper than at rest, and is recommended by asthma UK.

Everyone's asthma is different, and as long as your medication helps you to live a normal life, I shouldn't worry about it too much.

[Boswell08]

Me too I feel a slight ache/heaviness sometimes in the lungs when I first wake up, especially if I don’t take my Alvesco at night. But it goes away when I get moving and start the day, eating doesn’t affect it. I was never sure if this was asthma related or not, and I never felt the need to tell anyone about it cause it’s very slight and not happening every morning.

[strongmouse]

Have you tried taking a reliever inhaler first thing while you are still on bed? I find that helps if I wake with a tight chest due to asthma.

I also have GERD and that does aggravate asthma and when you are lying down, if it is untreated, it can be worse in the morning. The only way to know would be for your GP to refer you for an endoscopy.

[Tengudreams in reply to strongmouse]

Can you get the inhaler deep in your lungs if youre laying down?

[strongmouse in reply to Tengudreams]

I find it easier to sit up to take reliever inhaler in bed.

[Jollygood]

Hello

I'm no expert but I think that, depending on which position you lie in, your lungs can get a bit 'squashed', hence why you feel better once you get up & start moving around.

[Tengudreams]

These are all great thoughts, thank you so much!