New Symptoms Difficult to Handle

By mustardseed

1 min read

I feel like I'm in a living nightmare. For the last 2 months, I've spent most of my time in bed unable to care for my family. About 2 months ago, I noticed that I had excess mucus building up in my chest, but I didn't think much of it. A couple of days later, I began experiencing shortness of breath, so I went and dug out the old inhaler.

I've been treated on and off for asthma for years, but it has always been so mild that I questioned the diagnosis. Now I am on 3 inhalers. I've done 2 rounds of prednisone, methylprednisolone, and a round of antibiotics. I am still experiencing some symptoms, but the excess mucus is almost unbearable. I have seen so many specialists in these last 2 months and I still haven't gotten any answers. I need some relief!!! Can asthma symptoms really last for months?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Asthma.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi MustardSeed, and thanks for sharing your story here. You have certainly come to the right place as we are all about all things asthma and asthma related in this community. As you may be aware, asthma and its symptoms can vary from patient to patient. It is not a 'one size fits all' disease. This article, published right here, helps to underscore that point-of-view: <a href='https://asthma.net/living/asthma-not-one-size-fits-disease' target='_blank'>https://asthma.net/living/asthma-not-one-size-fits-disease/</a>. I do hope you find it to be helpful to read. As well, acute exacerbations have been known to last considerable periods of time (again, can vary widely among individual patients). You may want to be kind to yourself and have patience, too, as it may take longer than expected to return to what you consider to be normal for yourself. I thought you might gain some additional insight on this issue from this article: <a href='https://asthma.net/living/we-arent-superman-after-a-flare-up' target='_blank'>https://asthma.net/living/we-arent-superman-after-a-flare-up/</a>. I do hope this article provides you with some practical information that you can use and think about. Since you mentioned you've had asthma 'on and off' for years, it sounds like it is once again, becoming active in your life. I am somewhat surprised that your present specialist appears to have limited answers for you. With the current medication regimen you are presently receiving, I would expect the doctor might spend some extra time explaining to you what you should expect and how to manage this collaboratively with him/her. What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
pennee Member
Hi mustard seed: What I am experiencing now sounds almost exactly what you are experiencing. Mine has been going on for longer though. I keep waiting for this new medicine, (Nucala) to work well enough that I can be normal again. I never knew this was possible either. But coming here I realize that some people have even had it worse. I wish you the best in your recovery.
niki710 Member
I thought i was the only one. My asthma flare ups always last months then ill be fine for like 6 months then flare up for 3 months. The one im in right now started mid august and still going. Might be because i havent taken much medicine yet but i feel like even when i do it still takes alot of time.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Niki710, and thanks for your comment here about exacerbations and flare-ups. I'm sorry to hear you've had a flare-up that began back in August and appears to be persisting. In general, we suggest to community members, if they have new symptoms or symptoms that persist or even get worse, they should consider reaching out for their physician. Since you've mentioned you haven't really treated this episode, do you think you would benefit from contacting your doctor? Please do let us hear back from you when you are able to and have the time. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
lingling Member
Dear Mustard Seed, I have childhold asthma (all my life) and has usually been controlled in a week or two. For the past 2 months I've been wheezing constantly, been in the ER twice and hospital for a week. Overly medicated on prednisone to keep breathing. Hard to stay positive as no relief is in sight. Has anyone heard of Bronchialplasty? It's FDA approved. Going to ask my Doc tomorrow about it. Would appreciate any info anyone might have, or suggestions. I did get off my Beta Blocker blood pressure med......hope this can help someone else. Depressing! xo to all.