Asthma Management

So, I'm 27 and ever since I started this slightly more intense physical job, I've been yawning like crazy—I read somewhere that could be a sign of oxygen deprivation in the brain, which definitely isn't normal for guys my age! Today, while I was lifting some heavy crates, the yawning hit again, and suddenly everything went blurry; I honestly felt like I was about to pass out... luckily, I managed to pull myself together. A few years back, I used to get this weird pressure in my chest too. I'm planning on seeing a doctor, but does anyone have a guess as to what might be going on?

Hi there,

I have allergic asthma, and honestly, I haven't had any issues with it for two or three years, but this year it decided to hit me hard again.
My doctor prescribed me some Ventolin and Seretide sprays, along with some Rhinocort nasal drops.
The thing is, whenever I take a breath, the coughing just won't let up; she didn't really give me anything specific to actually settle the cough itself.
Does anyone know what I can take to get this cough under control?

Lisa Brooks3 said:Hi there,

I have allergic asthma, and honestly, I haven't had any issues with it for two or three years, but this year it decided to hit me hard again.
My doctor prescribed me some Ventolin and Seretide sprays, along with some Rhinocort nasal drops.
The thing is, whenever I take a breath, the coughing just won't let up; she didn't really give me anything specific to actually settle the cough itself.
Does anyone know what I can take to get this cough under control?

Panatus is pretty decent for a cough. 🙂

Alright folks, so I’ve got this mild case of Asthma—nothing crazy, but there are moments where my breathing gets tight and I have to reach for my Ventolin inhaler just to feel okay.
It’s not exactly a "life-threatening emergency" situation for me, but honestly? That struggle to catch my breath is the most infuriating thing when I'm trying to sleep... it makes it impossible to actually drift off.
There have been times when I’ve run completely dry on my Ventolin, so I just have to sit there and suffer until the next day when I can either get my doctor to write a script or just grab some at the pharmacy.
What I’m wondering is, does anyone know if there’s an alternative to the inhaler—like, could I actually head off one of those breathing episodes using natural ingredients or something? Might sound like a weird question, I guess, but I’m just thinking ahead for the next time I find myself stuck without my Ventolin...

Andrew Peterson2 said:Alright folks, so I’ve got this mild case of Asthma—nothing crazy, but there are moments where my breathing gets tight and I have to reach for my Ventolin inhaler just to feel okay.
It’s not exactly a "life-threatening emergency" situation for me, but honestly? That struggle to catch my breath is the most infuriating thing when I'm trying to sleep... it makes it impossible to actually drift off.
There have been times when I’ve run completely dry on my Ventolin, so I just have to sit there and suffer until the next day when I can either get my doctor to write a script or just grab some at the pharmacy.
What I’m wondering is, does anyone know if there’s an alternative to the inhaler—like, could I actually head off one of those breathing episodes using natural ingredients or something? Might sound like a weird question, I guess, but I’m just thinking ahead for the next time I find myself stuck without my Ventolin...

You need to see a specialist and get a full pulmonary workup immediately—think prick tests, spirometry, maybe even a Ventolin challenge test.
Right off the bat, I can tell you that you'll most likely need an inhaled steroid, like taking Alvesco twice in the morning, combined with a long-acting bronchodilator such as Symbicort, Foster, or Seretide.
But here is the absolute most important part: how you actually inhale the medication. For heaven's sake, do NOT try to do this without using a spacer, like an AeroChamber. If you don't use one, you're basically wasting your time. There is zero point in inhaling if the medicine just hits your mouth or sprays into the air around the room instead of going straight into your lungs where it actually needs to be. Then you're just left with nothing but problems.

Hey there,

About a month ago, I started having this incredibly heavy trouble breathing. My lungs were wheezing so bad I just couldn't catch my breath. I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat... nothing. A few days before that started, I was also dealing with a super runny nose and some coughing. And honestly, the coughing hasn't really let up.
Anyway, I went to see my doctor and she told me it's Asthma. I spent a whole week doing daily nebulizer treatments and taking antibiotics.
The thing is, my doctor didn't suggest any follow-up tests or allergy testing, which kind of annoyed me because I feel like she should probably figure out if this is allergic asthma or something else entirely. Plus, once that week of meds was over, she didn't even mention coming back for a check-up. I'm feeling a bit better now, I guess, but I'm definitely still feeling the effects. For instance, I can't be anywhere near cigarette smoke because I'll struggle to breathe for hours afterward and get this weird bitter taste in my mouth, almost like I was the one smoking. Even my physical activity has dropped since I get winded so easily whenever I push myself. The only thing that seems to be helping is Yoga, where I'm learning how to actually breathe properly, and I have to say, it's helped quite a bit.
I was wondering if anyone here knows more about this stuff and could maybe give me some advice on what I should do next.

Thanks in advance 🙂

David Fowler5 said:Hey there,

About a month ago, I started having this incredibly heavy trouble breathing. My lungs were wheezing so bad I just couldn't catch my breath. I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat... nothing. A few days before that started, I was also dealing with a super runny nose and some coughing. And honestly, the coughing hasn't really let up.
Anyway, I went to see my doctor and she told me it's Asthma. I spent a whole week doing daily nebulizer treatments and taking antibiotics.
The thing is, my doctor didn't suggest any follow-up tests or allergy testing, which kind of annoyed me because I feel like she should probably figure out if this is allergic asthma or something else entirely. Plus, once that week of meds was over, she didn't even mention coming back for a check-up. I'm feeling a bit better now, I guess, but I'm definitely still feeling the effects. For instance, I can't be anywhere near cigarette smoke because I'll struggle to breathe for hours afterward and get this weird bitter taste in my mouth, almost like I was the one smoking. Even my physical activity has dropped since I get winded so easily whenever I push myself. The only thing that seems to be helping is Yoga, where I'm learning how to actually breathe properly, and I have to say, it's helped quite a bit.
I was wondering if anyone here knows more about this stuff and could maybe give me some advice on what I should do next.

Thanks in advance 🙂

Your doctor is acting a bit strange. She shouldn't be diagnosing Asthma based solely on a stethoscope exam. You need to ask for a referral to a Pulmonologist and for a spirometry test (there's really no point seeing a specialist without spirometry, as that test measures your lung capacity and vital stats). Since this is your first diagnosis, getting a chest X-ray would be a smart move too. A Pulmonologist will then decide if you need allergy testing or perhaps an IgE test.
If it is indeed Asthma, you'll likely be prescribed inhaled corticosteroids (to prevent the lung inflammation that triggers attacks) or a combination of corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators (which open up the airways to make breathing easier). Ventolin should only be used for immediate relief during an actual attack.
Basically, insist on those referrals for the Pulmonologist and spirometry, because only a specialist can provide a definitive diagnosis and tailor the right treatment plan for you. Don't let your doctor brush you off; you deserve to see a specialist.

I'm 26 years old, and I've been dealing with asthma since I was five...
It was incredibly severe before puberty, but things have settled down now... If I don't push myself physically, I can go six months without an attack...
However, I want to start running... Just a little at a time... I know I shouldn't overdo it, but any advice would be appreciated from anyone else out there living with asthma who runs recreationally...
Even the practical stuff, like where to keep my inhaler while I'm out on a run...🙂

Charles Cook4 said:I'm 26 years old, and I've been dealing with asthma since I was five...
It was incredibly severe before puberty, but things have settled down now... If I don't push myself physically, I can go six months without an attack...
However, I want to start running... Just a little at a time... I know I shouldn't overdo it, but any advice would be appreciated from anyone else out there living with asthma who runs recreationally...
Even the practical stuff, like where to keep my inhaler while I'm out on a run...🙂

My take? You shouldn't dive into any training regimen without consulting a pulmonologist and a kinesiologist first. They need to be the ones to suggest your ideal pace and tell you exactly what your maximum exertion level should look like.

A kinesiologist? Hmm, that hadn't crossed my mind... thanks for the suggestion. 😉 As for a pulmonologist, I just don't have the time right now. There isn't one available in my city for at least another month, so it’s not exactly easy...

Charles Cook4 said:A kinesiologist? Hmm, that hadn't crossed my mind... thanks for the suggestion. 😉 As for a pulmonologist, I just don't have the time right now. There isn't one available in my city for at least another month, so it’s not exactly easy...

They definitely have programs designed specifically for people with Asthma. What kind of skiing do you think Ana Jelušić would be into?

Maybe try posting an inquiry on the recreation boards. I'm sure there are groups out there filled with people dealing with Asthma too.

Charles Cook4 said:I'm 26, diagnosed with Asthma when I was 5...
It was extremely severe until puberty, but it's better now... If I don't push myself too hard physically, I don't have an attack for about six months at a time....
But now I want to start running... Little by little... I know I shouldn't overdo it, but any advice would be great if anyone else here has Asthma and runs recreationally...
Even practical stuff, like where to carry my inhaler while running )

I can tell you from my own experience. I was diagnosed even earlier, and things were just terrible until puberty—I was practically on IV drips all the time. Then things settled down; summers are great for me, and I barely even need my inhaler. For the rest of the year, I use Symbicort maybe one to three times a week, and there are periods where I don't need it at all. I wouldn't even call it an attack, just a bit of wheezing or tightness in my chest, though when a real attack hits, it’s much more intense😁. But yeah, what I really wanted to say is... physical activity has always helped me in the long run; ever since I realized this, I've stayed active with all sorts of training. I'm not running right now (getting ready to start in a few weeks 😵).
Definitely bring your inhaler for at least the first few runs; you'll find a good spot for it, and just see how it goes. You'll figure out your own pace. It's all very individual, but Asthma shouldn't be a barrier unless you're dealing with a really severe case.

Thanks for the advice, ladies. I think I'll try to track down a chiropractor sometime this week, and starting tomorrow morning, I’m going to get moving—even if it’s just walking instead of running... Just need to break the cycle. I have a feeling some physical activity would actually do me good, despite our mutual friend Asthma following us everywhere 🙂 😁

Why don't you try retraining your breathing? Change how you breathe, adjust your sleeping position, and start measuring your lung capacity morning and night. Go buy a peak flow meter—they’re cheap. Learn how to breathe through your nose consistently, figure out how to clear your sinuses, and find ways to actually stop the coughing. If you want to dig deeper, look up the Buteyko Method online. If you're interested, I can send you all the instructions myself.

Charles Cook4 said:I'm 26 years old, and I've been dealing with asthma since I was five...
It was incredibly severe before puberty, but things have settled down now... If I don't push myself physically, I can go six months without an attack...
However, I want to start running... Just a little at a time... I know I shouldn't overdo it, but any advice would be appreciated from anyone else out there living with asthma who runs recreationally...
Even the practical stuff, like where to keep my inhaler while I'm out on a run...🙂

Hey, what's up?

I’ve been dealing with asthma since I was three or four years old—it's become a full-blown chronic issue by now.
I'm 19 right now—staying active with cycling, running, and swimming—but I’m also a heavy smoker.😁
I should be using one puff of Seretide and one puff of Ventolin—and damn it, I need my Advair too.
Of course—I don't use any of that stuff. I'm my own doctor. 😂

My Asthma issues usually flare up when I catch a cold—or whenever the entire world decides to start pollinating at once—or when the fog rolls in.
The doctor is absolutely convinced I’ve been sticking to my treatment plan like clockwork—as if! The truth? I haven't even touched the stuff in three years. And yet, somehow, my test results have actually improved.
If I actually quit smoking—which, let’s be honest, is the goal—I probably wouldn't have any of these damn problems at all. Period.
There’s this indicator for chronic lung inflammation—Asthma—and I’m constantly going in for checkups (every two months at minimum), but I’m not actually spending a dime on treatment.

My advice to you? Run. Get moving and stay physically active as much as humanly possible—push those lungs to actually WORK, and force those internal muscles to develop and stretch.

Asthma is basically a condition where your body becomes hypersensitive—I guess you could say it turns against itself—so you basically have to force it to actually DO its job.
Change your diet—cut out all the chemicals and processed junk. Avoid MILK (yogurt and kefir are fine, though)—I’ve personally noticed that since I stopped consuming milk and dairy products, my pollen allergies haven't been nearly as brutal. You need to experiment. Get rid of flour too. Base your meals on fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Try not to "overcook" things or fry your food. It worked for me.

Good luck—enjoy life! 😉

Edit: Work on belly breathing—and maybe try some Yoga ^^

Good evening! I'm 29, and I was diagnosed with Asthma about three months ago. Sometimes I find it difficult to tell exactly what's happening with my body. I get this feeling of weakness and shortness of breath, but without any wheezing. At this point, I honestly can't tell if I'm having a panic attack or an asthma flare-up. Any insight or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

William Lopez16 said:Hey, what's up?

I’ve been dealing with asthma since I was three or four years old—it's become a full-blown chronic issue by now.
I'm 19 right now—staying active with cycling, running, and swimming—but I’m also a heavy smoker.😁
I should be using one puff of Seretide and one puff of Ventolin—and damn it, I need my Advair too.
Of course—I don't use any of that stuff. I'm my own doctor. 😂

My Asthma issues usually flare up when I catch a cold—or whenever the entire world decides to start pollinating at once—or when the fog rolls in.
The doctor is absolutely convinced I’ve been sticking to my treatment plan like clockwork—as if! The truth? I haven't even touched the stuff in three years. And yet, somehow, my test results have actually improved.
If I actually quit smoking—which, let’s be honest, is the goal—I probably wouldn't have any of these damn problems at all. Period.
There’s this indicator for chronic lung inflammation—Asthma—and I’m constantly going in for checkups (every two months at minimum), but I’m not actually spending a dime on treatment.

My advice to you? Run. Get moving and stay physically active as much as humanly possible—push those lungs to actually WORK, and force those internal muscles to develop and stretch.

Asthma is basically a condition where your body becomes hypersensitive—I guess you could say it turns against itself—so you basically have to force it to actually DO its job.
Change your diet—cut out all the chemicals and processed junk. Avoid MILK (yogurt and kefir are fine, though)—I’ve personally noticed that since I stopped consuming milk and dairy products, my pollen allergies haven't been nearly as brutal. You need to experiment. Get rid of flour too. Base your meals on fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Try not to "overcook" things or fry your food. It worked for me.

Good luck—enjoy life! 😉

Edit: Work on belly breathing—and maybe try some Yoga ^^

Well, I barely touch milk as it is, but living without flour sounds impossible😁

As for smoking—I quit just over a month ago. I have to admit, breathing feels harder more often now... 😕 I know smoking is harmful, especially for those with Asthma, but I suppose all that toxin was thick enough to settle deep into the airways...

In any case, I'll do my best to stay active🙂 thanks for the encouragement😉

By the way, my kinesiology specialist told me there isn't some specific program; I just need to listen to my body and make sure I don't overdo it, and that's that...🙂

Charles Cook4... just sitting here thinking about everything... life, health, the whole mess... honestly, sometimes it feels like we're all just trying to solve a puzzle where the pieces keep changing shape mid-game. Anyway... just me rambling... turns out I have things to say... lots of them... kaže:
So, I'm 26 now... been dealing with this whole Asthma thing since I was just a little kid, like 5 years old... turns out it's a lifelong roommate...
Back during puberty, it was just absolutely brutal... now? Not so much...

Charles Cook4... just sitting here thinking about how much everything changes... one day you feel fine, then boom, everything hits at once... honestly, life's a trip... kaže:

So, about smoking... I actually quit a little over a month ago. Gotta admit though, lately it feels like I’m struggling to catch my breath way more often... 😕 I mean, obviously smoking is bad news, especially when you're dealing with Asthma, but I can't help thinking all that toxic crap was just thicker than the air itself, basically clogging up all my airways...

I mean, I was just sitting here thinking... how does it even happen? Like, seriously, how is it possible for someone dealing with extreme Asthma to even think about picking up a cigarette? It makes zero sense...

Wait, so what are you actually thinking here? You really believe all that toxic crap is somehow thicker than air and just floating around dilating people's airways? Are you kidding me right now?...

...

No, I’m really not joking here...
How does it even start? Puberty, sheer stupidity... why would anyone ever pick up a cigarette in the first place??

And I have absolutely no intention of ever smoking again, not even a puff, but everything I mentioned in my last post remains true...
To reiterate—I know for a fact it hasn't been good for me, long-term...

I honestly don't get how you even managed to start, let alone keep going—because honestly, even just being around secondhand smoke gives me enough of a suffocating feeling that I can't even wrap my head around how someone with even more severe Asthma could possibly smoke and actually stay alive.

And that whole thing about breathing smoke easier than air because it’s "thicker"? Yeah, you're definitely just imagining that. The reality is that nicotine constricts your capillaries and tanks your blood circulation, which isn't exactly a recipe for better breathing... if you look at it from the perspective of actually getting oxygen from the air and flushing carbon dioxide out of your system.

Anyway, congrats on quitting, whatever the reason was—I know breaking any kind of addiction is a massive uphill battle. Hang in there

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