Severe Asthma Attack Out of Seemingly Nowhere? Anyone else have this experience?
Has this happened to anyone else? I was following my medication regimen, I hadn't needed my albuterol in weeks. But for some reason, this past Monday (08/12), at 10:30 at night I was hacking up a lung and just really not feeling well in that regard. I had some lower body aches, but no fever and no other symptoms, it was one of the strangest things. This was a really bad attack too. I broke out in hives earlier that day too. That was new for me.
It persisted into the next day. I had to go to to urgent care. I had to leave work early. It was really catastrophic. I received a breathing treatment and a prescription for oral steroids. This came out of nowhere and I feel defeated in a way. I was wondering if anyone else had this experience.
Sometimes when I feel alone in asthma I like to reach out to the community here to see if anyone has had any similar experiences.
Hello
- wow! It seems like you came into contact with a trigger/allergen, new or old, and you reacted severely. Your nighttime asthma attack may have been a late asthmatic response to this allergen. Have you considered keeping a journal? Have you left a message for your physician? This could help you decipher triggers and severity. It would also help your physician monitor your chronic disease process. I know my asthma is very well controlled with my medication regimen year round, but when I come into contact with an allergen, say cats or horses, I will instantly have a severe attack, medication or not, with urticaria. I know these are triggers so I do my best to avoid them at all costs. When it does happen I am reminded that I let down my guard and have forgotten my avoidance plan. I do hope others chime in and help you. So sorry you feel so defeated right now. Hopefully, it will pass and you'll go about your days as usual. We are here for you. Thoughtfully, Rebecca (team member) 
Thanks for clarifying for me. Asthma is so specific to each of us. We all feel our symptoms in different ways. Thanks again! -Lauren (team member) Yeah definitely!
I thought it was only me just in my head. Thank you, I know I'm in the right place. I too share with this experience. Glad i am here.
You are definitely not alone in this community. Many of us here have had similar experiences to what describes above. How is your asthma doing today? John. community moderator.
I have developed a severe reaction to jet fuel or diesel smoke. It comes on very quickly when I am exposed and the last attack was so severe my doctor told me to carry an epi pen with me at all times. My concern is that I will need to fly in January and the closest airport has some gates without a jetway. Is there a way that I can ask an airline to guarantee a jetway when book my flight? The airport with all jetways is 4 1/2 hour drive away and I am concerned that even with the jetway I may experience severe symptoms. I have talked with my doctor and we came up with a plan to take my albuterol before boarding and wear a N95 mask for the whole trip. She also suggested that I travel with a companion who knows how to use my epi pen. I am experiencing extreme anxiety over this coming trip and want to know if anyone else has had experience with the airlines with regard to their asthma? I hope I haven’t hijacked this post to much, but the sudden onset, severe title of the post got me thinking that maybe someone can tell me something to help relieve my anxiety.
Hi Cathie, I'm glad that you took the time to post your questions and ask for advice here. I hope that a community member who has dealt with a similar situation responds and provides you with some clarity. Are there other means of transportation that you would consider for this trip, car/train bus? Dealing with airlines is sometimes nearly impossible however, calling the airline to discuss your situation may be a good first step to learn your options. Otherwise, if your doctor is confident that the plan of Albuterol, N95, epi pen and travel companion will get you to your destination safely are you comfortable giving it a go? Wishing you all the best, Lauren (team member)
