Cultivating Community: Questions on Daily Life With Asthma

By Asthma.net Team

1 min read

This Asthma Awareness Month, we're focused on cultivating community and getting to know more about our community members. In this poll article, we want to know what daily life with asthma is really like for our community, from managing symptoms to navigating social situations.

Managing symptoms and asthma attacks

Asthma control and treatment options

Stigma and social life

Finding community

Keep the conversation going

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and thoughts. Your input is incredibly valuable and helps shed light on what matters most to those living with asthma. Let's keep the conversation going in our forums and continue supporting each other every step of the way!

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LEEE Member
Since I got diagnosed as having 'adult asthma' in January (after a bad bought of Covid). I have not felt fully well, my inhalers dry my throat out and have made my voice hoarse which is difficult because I work talking to people during the working day and I sound permanently like I have a bad throat. Additionally, the inhalers don't appear to make any difference to my breathlessness, and I have dips of energy during the day that are really debilitating. Could it be that my breathlessness and coughing are not asthma at all? I have had my chest listened to and been told I don't have a problem so wonder why I've been given the brown and blue inhalers. If asthma isn't the problem then why am I breathless just from climbing the stairs? Are people being diagnosed as asthmatic later in life after Covid incorrectly? 
1. John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="LEEE" user-id="8854237"/> Good afternoon. Thank your post here. And sorry that you had to experience COVID and continued breathing problems since January. Those are some valid questions that you ask about your symptoms you are currently experiencing, and the treatments your doctor has prescribed. I am wondering if you have talked with a pulmonologist. These are doctors who specialize in lung issues like asthma as you can see here (<a href='https://asthma.net/living/pulmonologist-or-allergy-specialist' target='_blank'>https://asthma.net/living/pulmonologist-or-allergy-specialist</a>). They should be able to order tests, such as a PFT (<a href='https://asthma.net/living/pulmonary-function-testing-to-diagnose-asthma' target='_blank'>https://asthma.net/living/pulmonary-function-testing-to-diagnose-asthma</a>). These tests should be able to help your doctor determine if you have asthma, or if it is something else. And, of course, this should help lead them and you to better treatments to improve your symptoms. What do you think? John. community moderator. 
2. LEEE Member
 <inline-mention username="lauren.mullin" user-id="4506753"/> hi Lauren, thank you so much for responding. I complained of breathlessness post Covid and did the lung function test with an asthma nurse, I was not expecting to be diagnosed as asthmatic frankly, but followed instructions and used the inhalers. The side effects have been difficult, plus no improvement in my breathlessness ie. out walking up hills. So I wonder what the point of inhaling steroids twice a day is? Plus the medication is listed as increasing pressure in the eyes- and as I also glaucoma it concerns me, but this seems have been disregarded as not of any importance. So my concern is ‘is misdiagnosis of asthma a “thing’’? Does anyone else feel the same way ie. that their meds don’t actually do anything to improve their breathing?
LEEE Member
Well that’s an interesting comment - I was referred to an asthma nurse who assessed me via a test blowing into a tube. A lung function test. However, I’m not sure of the science in that. Could there be other reasons I didn’t have a lot of puff other than asthma? So should I ask for a referral? 
1. LEEE Member
 <inline-mention username="John Bottrell, RRT" user-id="3021172"/> Thank you John, I think you are right and I'll ask for a referral to a pulmonologist.. My General Practitioner referred me to an Asthma Nurse for management when I complained of extreme tiredness and shortness of breath particularly on stairs and any inclines post Covid. I haven't seen a pulmonologist. I haven't had a chest x-ray, I had a 24 hr mobile ECG but that was 8 weeks ago and I still don't have the results back. I just have this feeling I may have been pushed into the 'asthma' box too quickly. 
2. John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="LEEE" user-id="8854237"/> You are welcome. Hopefully a pulmonologist will do a more extensive workup/assessment and get to the bottom of what is causing your symptoms. Please do keep us posted as to how it goes. Good luck! John. community moderator.
Lalit1 Agrawal Member
Good Conversation
Tracey Member
Hello, I struggle everyday and am not getting relief from my inhalers or Singulair. I have a productive cough everyday off and on, have wheezing, and shortness of breath. I just started seeing a new Asthma doctor and losing faith fast. I have seen a Pulmonologist in the past. I have had normal PFT’s and Bronchoscopies. I was first diagnosed with Restrictive Airway Disease then Cough Variant Asthma and Allergic Asthma. My new doctor told me that I do not have any of these diagnoses and I don’t have environmental allergies. He is saying that I have a Asthma that is more difficult to control. I have been worse since having Covid in 2020 and since having Pneumonia last year. I feel they have missed something and perhaps I have a misdiagnosis. Thank you to all the good information here. 
1. Tracey Member
 <inline-mention username="Melissa.Arnold" user-id="3030220"/> Hi Melissa, Thank you for your support. I am seeing a new Asthma/Allergy specialist. My last PFT was normal December of last year and I just had normal allergy testing for environmental allergies. I was very surprised because I tested positive for many of those years ago! (Dust mites, pet dander, ragweed, pollen) I am hoping to also get tested for chemical and food allergies. Is it possible to not have environmental allergies after having them for years? Do you know the best route for getting food allergy testing? I believe a Dermatologist will test for chemicals. I appreciate your input. 
2. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Tracey" user-id="8782467"/> Hi again! So I'm not an expert, but at least in my personal experience, it is possible to become less triggered (or more triggered!) by allergens in some cases. For example, I had severe seasonal allergies until my mid-20s. I now find my symptoms are a lot more mild, and easier to control with simple over the counter medications, when I previously required a routine of stronger prescription drugs. On a separate note, I'm allergic to cats. But with both the cats I have had, my reaction to them improved over time. I've had my current cat for 2 years and no longer have symptoms with her unless I am directly scratched. No issues from dander or petting. 😀 What is your experience like with those environmental triggers you had previously? Do you feel like your symptoms have improved? I don't have food allergies, so I don't have experience with that testing. However, I would say an allergist would be the best place to go. Your GP may be able to point you in the right direction as well. Two resources for you. First, an article you might find interesting about repeated allergy tests: https://asthma.net/living/allergy-testing-frequency And you may also want to check out our sister site, <a href='https://Allergies.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Allergies.net</a>, as they might have more specific articles or insights to share. Hope some of that is useful! Good luck, I'll be curious to hear what you find out if you pursue this. 😀 Take care. -Melissa, asthma team