Asthma - reoccurance help!

mmuk

I used to get asthma when I was in school, but that was it until about a month ago. (and I'm now in my 50's, so it was a few years back!) Suddenly I found myself waking up wheezing, and struggling when exercising.

I went to see my Doc, who prescribed an inhaler (blue, reliever) and said 'use this 4 times a day until you feel better'

It improved for a while, and I stopped using the inhaler, but now I find i feel 'congested' a lot of the time - not bad, but aware it's there, and cycling has become uncomfortable - even my 7 mile commute needs a puff to get through ..

Anyone out there got any advice? I will go back to the doc's, but can see him just loading me up with more things to puff on ... (I don't smoke!)

MMUK

Caller

Get your GP to refer you to the local asthma clinic or see if you can get hold of them and self refer.

Mikey23

Ventolins are really used for emergencies. I would advise you to visit your GP again and ask to be referred to the asthma nurse. I'm sure your practice would have access to one. You will then get your peak flow measured, a full check out and look at possible cause, allergies, lifestyle etc. depending on what comes out of that, you could be prescribed preventative meds which should enable you to live a pretty normal life or make simple changes which could remove the symptoms. Household dust for instance is my Achilles heel, and seasonal changes like when cold weather appears and central heating goes on. I always have a puff before a ride... But there was a recent thread here somewhere where someone had increased their lung capacity and therefore their riding ability through using preventative meds

Mikey23

Yay, two consecutive posts that agree. Must be a first for BR! Thanks caller, hope that helps OP

Mikey23

viewtopic.php?f=20024&t=12945036

There you go... 'Twas on the MTB section

mmuk

thanks guys - appt made!

MM

eric_draven

i had a medical at work last year,usual stuff hearing/eyesight done,had a lung function test done,i have always suffered from ashtma,"but came on strong about 10 years ago",I was basically told my lungs functioned of someone twice my age 76-78,made an appointment to go to the asthma clinic at my GPs,and was prescribed a symbricort preventitive inhaler,after a month a big difference,now after 18 months a massive difference,i used to be held back whilst climbing by what my chest could do,now it is my legs that give up on me,now i don't feel i'm going to rasp my guts up
good luck with your app

dw300

You said 'congested'. Have you had a cold recently? Could you have a mild chest or sinus infection which will give a feeling a little like asthma?

Half the Pro Tour have inhalers for their exercised induced asthma .. o_O