Asthma Exacerbation
I have been lucky enough to only have had 3 extremely bad (to me! Lol) flares. I have had cough variant asthma all my life. I was only diagnosed officially around 10-15 yrs ago. Until then, I rarely needed treatment, just Ventolin if I did sports. I never knew what an exacerbation was. I reacted to the metacholine challenge. That year was my first time needing controllers. Up until then, I was living the good life. I have since had a few "attacks", mild to say the least. Chest tightness, can't fully empty lungs, fatigue. Usually resolved with increase in med dosageswhithin a week.
The very first bad attack was last Christmas after a head cold. It began my violent Paroxysmal coughing journey. I ended up seeing a Pulmonologist. By the time that happened, my symptoms were resolving. Spirometry= normal...diagnosis= overmedicated. Told to stop all asthma meds. Could only have Ventolin and the Xenhale he prescribed. Long story short, 4 months later, I am back on original meds. Then came Covid. Since Sept. 9th, 2022 I have had to re-educate myself on what is post Covid Asthma1. I never thought my situation was an "exacerbation" because Pulmologist told me my asthma wasn't serious.
To me, I thought you get tight chest, breathing is difficult ( short of breath) and a bit of coughing. I usually never, ever wheeze but Peak Flow goes into yellow.
I am confused. I am depressing at how severe it "feels" and not much can be done to help it. I don't understand this at all. I have been pretty much alone all this time coping. I have had to relearn how to help myself i.e hot steam inhalation, caffeinated drink- preferrably hot, honey, etc and more. I had to educate myself on triggers and warning signs. I never knew there were warning signs in some people! My itchy, non satiable, itchy tip of nose is one! The coughing is the worst! If it could ease up, I would better handle it. After 4 weeks, I finally pulled at least 3 different muscles, including some Costocondritis.
I at least found my peoples here!
- I feel for you! It's been a tough road. As you wait for others to weigh in I want to ask, have you considered a second opinion? Maybe seeing a new physician with a fresh perspective can lead down a new and better treatment road. Your pulmonologist's comment about it not being serious is concerning. When a condition takes a toll on your mental health it is time for a change and hopefully, a new specialist can give you answers. It's great that you are educating yourself and that you've learned some from our community. Hoping you find the answers you need and the relief of symptoms soon. Rebecca (comm advc) This was Pulmonologist #2. #1 was #1 in my book. But sadly, he moved too far away. Now, I have to take the next available one which was #2.
#1 I felt confident about. #2 not so much so. He is probably a great Pulmonologist! But, when he started with the "I don't really have asthma", confidence was lost. I have never known "any" type of asthma to not be serious. Like, we need to breathe to live!!!
I have known since I was at least 7 or 8yrs old that I had some form of asthma. It was just mild enough to bother me when doing gym class/sports, certain pollen seasons, and colds. I did not need testing. That being said, the testing had been good for me as I had actual paperwork reflecting this. I was in my very early 40's by this time. Here, in my province in Canada, you don't have much choice in specialists if you need to be seen sooner rather than later.
I am definately going to discuss this with my primary doc in November. I made a call last week to make an appointment to discuss my asthma issues with her. I need better direction in flare ups, discuss emergencies, what encompasses an emergency, etc... You guys have been so helpful!Brava
! Glad you made an appointment with your general practitioner to further discuss the management of asthma. Hopefully, they can direct you toward another allergy/asthma/immunology specialist who can help and listens well. Rebecca (comm advc)
Tks Rebecca! Although she looked at me weird when I said I was seeing her next week for this. Went to an allergy specialist already. He told me I was allergic to nothing, as per skin prick tests. I may not have tested positive, but when ragweed season comes around.. I still react. Never seen an immunologist. The asthma specialists that were great in the past, have either moved or changed departments. I need a pulmonologist who will not tell me I am not a bad asthmatic and discontinue all my asthma meds except Ventolin. I feel more confident talking to my primary since getting more info from the community!
