Asthma Management

Betty Bennett70 said:Good evening.

I would truly appreciate hearing your thoughts on this matter.

Since yesterday evening, I have been struggling quite significantly with my breathing. It feels incredibly difficult to take a deep breath, and I am left with this persistent, nagging sensation that my lungs simply aren't filling up all the way with air. While I can breathe normally through my nose, I just cannot seem to fully expand my chest, which forces me to take deep breaths through my mouth; even then, I only manage to feel like my lungs are full about 70% of the time. I find myself needing to take a massive, deep breath every two minutes just to ensure I don't end up completely breathless.

I am sleeping relatively well, though, because once I lie down on my side, I can breathe somewhat normally without feeling like I'm gasping for air.

I don't have a fever, but I do experience occasional bouts of coughing that pop up here and there, perhaps a few times throughout the day.

Since this whole ordeal kicked off over the weekend, I haven't really had a smart way to figure out exactly what is going on with me.
When it first started yesterday, it felt much worse; I actually had to lean forward just to catch my breath. Now, I am able to take a deep breath and fill my lungs even while lying down.

Does what I’ve described sound like typical Asthma symptoms? I have never dealt with anything like this before, so I don't own an inhaler or any similar equipment, nor have I ever had to navigate these kinds of issues.

Is there any way I might be able to find some quick relief? Any advice at all would be most welcome.

Those sound like COVID symptoms—call 911, just to be safe.

So, I actually ended up calling the emergency room, only to have my wife try to patronize me over the phone, insisting that what I was feeling wasn't even real and that I definitely didn't have COVID—even though I hadn't even mentioned a suspicion of the virus in the first place!

When I explicitly told them that I was struggling to catch my breath and felt like I had to take these massive, deep gulps of air just to get my lungs to feel full, all I got in response was a dismissive, "Well, that’s what breathing is for."

In reality, the whole reason I called was simply to inquire about the current admission procedures at the ER now that everyone is panicking over COVID; honestly, I would have driven myself down to the hospital without any trouble at all if I had known what to expect.

It really makes me wonder why I bother paying into health insurance when I can't even get a decent, professional answer over the phone once in every thirty years.

Thankfully, my condition seemed to resolve itself entirely after just a few days, so perhaps it was just the poor air quality in New York City that was bothering me.

Betty Bennett70 said:So, I actually ended up calling the emergency room, only to have my wife try to patronize me over the phone, insisting that what I was feeling wasn't even real and that I definitely didn't have COVID—even though I hadn't even mentioned a suspicion of the virus in the first place!

When I explicitly told them that I was struggling to catch my breath and felt like I had to take these massive, deep gulps of air just to get my lungs to feel full, all I got in response was a dismissive, "Well, that’s what breathing is for."

In reality, the whole reason I called was simply to inquire about the current admission procedures at the ER now that everyone is panicking over COVID; honestly, I would have driven myself down to the hospital without any trouble at all if I had known what to expect.

It really makes me wonder why I bother paying into health insurance when I can't even get a decent, professional answer over the phone once in every thirty years.

Thankfully, my condition seemed to resolve itself entirely after just a few days, so perhaps it was just the poor air quality in New York City that was bothering me.

It’s possible the smog was bothering you, but I’d suggest that once this whole COVID craze settles down, you should ask your doctor for a spirometry test and a referral to a Pulmonologist. If the air quality is affecting you that much, could it be undiagnosed Asthma?

It was probably triggered by that air quality from a few days ago, especially if you’ve never dealt with anything like this before. I highly doubt your Asthma would just decide to flare up out of nowhere like that.

Betty Bennett70 said:Good evening.

I would truly appreciate hearing your thoughts on this matter.

Since yesterday evening, I have been struggling quite significantly with my breathing. It feels incredibly difficult to take a deep breath, and I am left with this persistent, nagging sensation that my lungs simply aren't filling up all the way with air. While I can breathe normally through my nose, I just cannot seem to fully expand my chest, which forces me to take deep breaths through my mouth; even then, I only manage to feel like my lungs are full about 70% of the time. I find myself needing to take a massive, deep breath every two minutes just to ensure I don't end up completely breathless.

I am sleeping relatively well, though, because once I lie down on my side, I can breathe somewhat normally without feeling like I'm gasping for air.

I don't have a fever, but I do experience occasional bouts of coughing that pop up here and there, perhaps a few times throughout the day.

Since this whole ordeal kicked off over the weekend, I haven't really had a smart way to figure out exactly what is going on with me.
When it first started yesterday, it felt much worse; I actually had to lean forward just to catch my breath. Now, I am able to take a deep breath and fill my lungs even while lying down.

Does what I’ve described sound like typical Asthma symptoms? I have never dealt with anything like this before, so I don't own an inhaler or any similar equipment, nor have I ever had to navigate these kinds of issues.

Is there any way I might be able to find some quick relief? Any advice at all would be most welcome.

Christian Ruiz4 said:I know enough to tell you that it isn't asthma, because if it were, you wouldn't be able to reach full lung capacity regardless of what position you're in.

Um, based on my own experience, I *do* have asthma (officially diagnosed a few years back), but according to you, I don't...?

Which one is it?

I had the exact same symptoms. For me, it seemed like the trigger was viral bronchitis, which I had for two weeks right before I "ran out of breath"—and no antibiotics, since it was viral. The Ventolin my primary care doctor prescribed didn't help one bit.

The flare-up lasted a few days, during which I went to see a specialist... (spirometry was 120%, prick test came back positive). He prescribed a local steroid (Alvesco), and since then, I've kept it under control (and I still exercise normally).

@Betty Bennett70: go see a doctor as soon as you can.

Hey,

I’ve been dealing with allergies since I was a kid, mostly manifesting as skin rashes and a nagging cough. Before puberty hit, I maybe had two or three asthma attacks where I actually had to reach for my Ventolin. Since then, I’ve done allergy testing twice—just grass and dust mites, everything else supposedly "disappeared." For the most part, breathing hasn't been an issue; maybe twice in the last ten years. But man, this week absolutely wrecked me and brought back every single symptom from all those calm periods combined. Usually, I just pop some antihistamines and call it a day, and no doctor ever told me I needed a strict spring regimen. Maybe it’s because I’ve moved around a lot and haven't had the same doctors following me, and honestly, it's hard for them to track anything if I don't go in. Anyway, I've been fighting intermittent asthma attacks for a week now... I didn't have any Ventolin for the first few days, so I'm just now starting to manage with Rhinocort and Ventolin. I've been scrolling through the posts here, and I've seen people mention that how much you rely on Ventolin is basically a gauge for how severe the asthma is. I'm planning to see a pulmonologist and get all the necessary tests once this whole COVID mess settles down, but I'm curious: does this mean I've developed a more severe version, or is it just because I haven't managed it properly over the years and now the grass cutting and pollen scents are everywhere? I know I'll be fine once I actually commit to managing this thing, but I'm just asking out of curiosity to chat with people who actually get it, rather than bugging my doctors right now. 🙂

Regarding what you're saying, it’s highly likely that those allergies are acting as a trigger, worsening your asthma. Isn't it common for people with asthma to find their symptoms flare up whenever allergies strike?

However, I find it quite strange that you were only prescribed Ventolin and Rhinocort. When dealing with allergies, shouldn't you also be taking tablets, such as antihistamines like Daselt, Rhinocort, or Telfast?
Without those pills, aren't you just going to suffer through this until the allergy season passes? If I were in your shoes, I would definitely schedule another visit to the doctor.

Jose Brooks78 said:Hey,

I’ve been dealing with allergies since I was a kid, mostly manifesting as skin rashes and a nagging cough. Before puberty hit, I maybe had two or three asthma attacks where I actually had to reach for my Ventolin. Since then, I’ve done allergy testing twice—just grass and dust mites, everything else supposedly "disappeared." For the most part, breathing hasn't been an issue; maybe twice in the last ten years. But man, this week absolutely wrecked me and brought back every single symptom from all those calm periods combined. Usually, I just pop some antihistamines and call it a day, and no doctor ever told me I needed a strict spring regimen. Maybe it’s because I’ve moved around a lot and haven't had the same doctors following me, and honestly, it's hard for them to track anything if I don't go in. Anyway, I've been fighting intermittent asthma attacks for a week now... I didn't have any Ventolin for the first few days, so I'm just now starting to manage with Rhinocort and Ventolin. I've been scrolling through the posts here, and I've seen people mention that how much you rely on Ventolin is basically a gauge for how severe the asthma is. I'm planning to see a pulmonologist and get all the necessary tests once this whole COVID mess settles down, but I'm curious: does this mean I've developed a more severe version, or is it just because I haven't managed it properly over the years and now the grass cutting and pollen scents are everywhere? I know I'll be fine once I actually commit to managing this thing, but I'm just asking out of curiosity to chat with people who actually get it, rather than bugging my doctors right now. 🙂

I had a similar situation. I went to see a pulmonologist and he prescribed Duoresp, which I've been using daily for nine months now, and I haven't had a single attack. I don't even get winded after carrying heavy loads or running.
He told me to ditch the Ventolin entirely and stick to this, because if I use this correctly, I won't even reach the point where I need Ventolin... and honestly, I haven't touched it in nine months, even though I used to need it several times a day.

Christian Ruiz4 said:I had a similar situation. I went to see a pulmonologist and he prescribed Duoresp, which I've been using daily for nine months now, and I haven't had a single attack. I don't even get winded after carrying heavy loads or running.
He told me to ditch the Ventolin entirely and stick to this, because if I use this correctly, I won't even reach the point where I need Ventolin... and honestly, I haven't touched it in nine months, even though I used to need it several times a day.

I'm not sure which dosage you're on. If you have the stronger one, it’s still smart to keep the weaker version on hand—you can always use that more frequently if things take a turn for the worse.
It's good to have Ventolin ready, but if you're on Duoresp, you definitely shouldn't be needing it.

What kind of inhalers are you all using?
I'm curious—which ones are your standard prescriptions, and are you mixing in any alternative remedies?

I’ve been using Alvesco for years now. Before that, I was on Seretide, but once my condition improved, I made the switch to Alvesco. As for Ventolin? I rarely, very rarely, find myself needing it.
Alternatively, I don't use anything at all.

Hey.
Has anyone else dealt with getting winded way too easily during light activity? Like, if I’m carrying a dresser up a flight of stairs or—God forbid—trying to jog a few hundred yards, I’m gasping like I just ran a marathon.
It definitely isn't normal for someone my age—I'm 27—so I'm wondering if it's the Asthma or if it's because I've hit 240 lbs. I'm 6'4", so the weight doesn't show much, but I'm pretty sure it's a combination of both.
As far as meds go, I only use Ventolin as needed, and even then, it’s maybe a few times a year.
Do you think I should get back on a Fentanyl patch? (I stopped using them back in middle school, and my doctor never brought it up since she sees I don't really need them).

It’s actually both, but more importantly, it's the reason your asthma has flared up lately.
Switching back to a Fentanyl patch won't do you any harm; wouldn't it be better if you finally felt some relief?

Is there any kind of oxygen spray or any oxygen therapy available without a prescription?

My mom has dealt with shortness of breath on and off for decades—likely heart-related rather than asthma—but things have gotten significantly worse over the last few months.

She hasn't been given an official diagnosis yet, so she isn't on any medication, but she’s constantly gasping for air, like she just can't catch her breath.

I bought her some liquid chlorophyll (since I heard some people use it before heading to high altitudes where the air is thin), but it doesn't seem to be doing much for her.🕺

She's also taking magnesium and potassium for her heart, but even those aren't helping her breathing.

Not wanting to start a whole new thread, so I'm just digging this one up from the graveyard...
I've been dealing with Asthma for a long time now—just using my Ventolin whenever I need it. It usually hits hardest at night, and there’s always that one specific time of year where it gets way more frequent. My question is, has anything changed recently? Is there actually an alternative to Ventolin out there?

It’s not even something I’ve just started noticing—it’s been like this for a while—but when I take Ventolin in the evening or late at night, I often wake up the next morning feeling completely drained. It’s like I’ve been drinking all night or just have zero willpower to get through the workday... I feel like a worn-out tire, honestly. It's just terrible. Does anyone else deal with that kind of thing?
Generally speaking, my Asthma isn't quite critical enough that I couldn't live without the Ventolin, but man, I really can't sleep at night if I'm struggling to breathe. When I do use the Ventolin, it works instantly, and then I can finally drift off right away.

Andrew Peterson2 said:Not wanting to start a whole new thread, so I'm just digging this one up from the graveyard...
I've been dealing with Asthma for a long time now—just using my Ventolin whenever I need it. It usually hits hardest at night, and there’s always that one specific time of year where it gets way more frequent. My question is, has anything changed recently? Is there actually an alternative to Ventolin out there?

It’s not even something I’ve just started noticing—it’s been like this for a while—but when I take Ventolin in the evening or late at night, I often wake up the next morning feeling completely drained. It’s like I’ve been drinking all night or just have zero willpower to get through the workday... I feel like a worn-out tire, honestly. It's just terrible. Does anyone else deal with that kind of thing?
Generally speaking, my Asthma isn't quite critical enough that I couldn't live without the Ventolin, but man, I really can't sleep at night if I'm struggling to breathe. When I do use the Ventolin, it works instantly, and then I can finally drift off right away.

Using Ventolin constantly isn't good for you, which is exactly why you're feeling that way. That’s what my doctor told me. Since then, I was prescribed Duoresp, which I use every single morning. I haven't even touched my Ventolin in a year and a half because I simply don't need it anymore—are you actually on a maintenance therapy, or are you just hitting the Ventolin whenever?

Christian Ruiz4 said:Using Ventolin constantly isn't good for you, which is exactly why you're feeling that way. That’s what my doctor told me. Since then, I was prescribed Duoresp, which I use every single morning. I haven't even touched my Ventolin in a year and a half because I simply don't need it anymore—are you actually on a maintenance therapy, or are you just hitting the Ventolin whenever?

When you say "constantly," it makes it sound like I'm popping them every day, but I'm not quite there yet...
I only use it when things get bad and I'm really struggling to breathe. But that happens maybe 5 to 10 times a month—and during certain times of the year, it’s definitely more frequent than that.

Sometimes my doctor will prescribe something like Symbicort, and then I'll take it twice a day—morning and night—until the bottle is empty. That actually helps quite a bit, since the flare-ups aren't happening all the damn time.
Then I'll just ask for another prescription so I can hopefully cut back on how much Ventolin I'm relying on...

Andrew Peterson2 said:When you say "constantly," it makes it sound like I'm popping them every day, but I'm not quite there yet...
I only use it when things get bad and I'm really struggling to breathe. But that happens maybe 5 to 10 times a month—and during certain times of the year, it’s definitely more frequent than that.

Sometimes my doctor will prescribe something like Symbicort, and then I'll take it twice a day—morning and night—until the bottle is empty. That actually helps quite a bit, since the flare-ups aren't happening all the damn time.
Then I'll just ask for another prescription so I can hopefully cut back on how much Ventolin I'm relying on...

Ask about Duoresp—it's an inhaler you use every morning. I'm not sure if your type of Asthma is the same as mine, but having something like that daily could mean you won't even need the Ventolin anymore.

thanks, I will .

Greetings. If anyone here has experience with this, any advice would be greatly appreciated. A family member uses inhalers, pills, and various treatments. The diagnosis is Asthma, but specifically "unspecified Asthma." It seems somewhat illogical to me that they are undergoing such intensive therapy without a clear understanding of the exact type of asthma involved...
On top of that, there is apparently some overlap with COPD as well. We are feeling quite lost. We don't know who to turn to or what questions to even ask... Breathing remains difficult and shallow...