Asthma Management

Tyler James5 said: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

...

I'm not sure how or why, but cigarettes themselves never bothered me, unlike secondhand smoke... Ever since I quit, smoky rooms really bother me. I can't quite explain it... I understand what you're saying and I know it's scientifically accurate, but I'm just speaking from my own experience 🙂

Thanks for the congrats, I'm actually really happy that I quit 🙂

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...🙂

Running is a pretty massive umbrella term (we're talking anything from a quick 100m dash to 400m sprints, hurdles, or even a full-blown marathon), and the approach changes drastically depending on what you're doing. To be honest, I’ve always been a bit skeptical about recommending running as a primary way for people managing Asthma to get their cardio in.
That said, when it comes to the intersection of exercise and respiratory health—specifically regarding advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases studied in the Netherlands—there’s actually some pretty encouraging research coming out.
Specifically, Dr. Peter Klijn over at the Asthma Center suggests using what’s called non-linear periodization for your training schedule.
The beauty of this type of training is that if you work with someone who actually knows their stuff—like a certified physical education or health instructor—alongside your own doctor to tweak your meds or run some labs and spirometry tests before and after training blocks, it’s totally manageable.
Just a little tip: they say this kind of training is great because it allows those neuromuscular energy systems to recover properly, which helps you avoid that nasty "overtraining" wall where you just feel completely wiped out.

Any kind of running will do. Distance and pace don't matter to me right now; the only thing that counts is improving my running ability, even if just a little... Just enough so I don't drop dead if my life depends on sprinting 50 meters...

And what exactly would a non-linear periodization training style look like? 🙂

I have bronchial asthma that’s triggered by my allergies, and it really flares up during the spring season. My pharmacist suggested I try black cumin seed, so I was wondering if anyone here has actually used it? How much does it actually help? Thanks in advance!

A friend of mine has asthma—what should I do if they have an attack???

Anonymous said:A friend of mine has asthma—what should I do if they have an attack???

First thing is you gotta help them grab their inhaler, sit down with them, and just stay calm to help settle them down; wait out those few minutes until the bronchial spasm passes. (Seriously, staying chill is huge).

Depending on how close you guys are (🙂), make sure they’re actually keeping up with their meds and dodging the stuff they know triggers them—you know, smoky rooms, overdoing it physically, getting worked up, strong scents, pollen, dust, all that junk...

Every single June for about ten years now, my allergies flare up. It used to just be watery eyes and sneezing, but lately, even with Aerius, I’m having to use two puffs of Ventolin twice a day. I’ve been stuck like this for two weeks already. How long am I actually allowed to use Ventolin if I'm relying on it every single day?
On top of that, I can't stop coughing; I'm constantly dealing with phlegm. Should I go see a Pulmonologist or what??

Honestly, this year has been hitting me harder than previous ones—it’s just been worse. Before, I was just taking Aerius and it did enough to keep the symptoms at bay, but this year (combined with some sinus issues), I felt this weird pressure in my lungs. Thankfully, that feeling has mostly passed, but there were moments where I felt like I had to consciously pull in more air just to feel okay. My spirometry results came back great, though my doctor still needs to go over the FeNO and nitric oxide nasal test results with me. As for the Ventolin, they told me to only use it as needed when breathing gets difficult—I actually only ended up using it once a few months ago.

I've been wondering... is engaging in sports actually recommended for those of us living with Asthma, or is it better to just take it easy?

Personally, I think people living with Asthma shouldn't be pushing themselves too hard with sports. I mean, obviously, it all depends on how bad yours is. For some folks, they can handle a bit of activity, but if even a moderate jog or just walking up a flight of stairs leaves you gasping for air and wheezing? Then absolutely not. No way.

Asthma is kind of like depression in that sense. You just have to stay on top of your meds. Especially right now, with all the pollen flying around, the plowing, and everyone mowing their lawns... you definitely need those inhalers handy.

I started out just using inhalers, but then I eventually got switched over to Singulair tablets, which honestly work much better for me.

Sarah Lee3 said:Every single June for about ten years now, my allergies flare up. It used to just be watery eyes and sneezing, but lately, even with Aerius, I’m having to use two puffs of Ventolin twice a day. I’ve been stuck like this for two weeks already. How long am I actually allowed to use Ventolin if I'm relying on it every single day?
On top of that, I can't stop coughing; I'm constantly dealing with phlegm. Should I go see a Pulmonologist or what??

If I were in your shoes, I would definitely schedule an appointment. My own doctor only prescribed Ventolin on an "as-needed" basis, and they were quite clear: if I end up needing it for more than just a few days, I need to head back in for another evaluation. The thing is, Ventolin is merely a short-term fix for the symptoms—it doesn't address the underlying issue. You might need something else entirely, or perhaps a complete adjustment to your current treatment plan. Just go see 🙂

wearynomad16 said:Personally, I think people living with Asthma shouldn't be pushing themselves too hard with sports. I mean, obviously, it all depends on how bad yours is. For some folks, they can handle a bit of activity, but if even a moderate jog or just walking up a flight of stairs leaves you gasping for air and wheezing? Then absolutely not. No way.

Asthma is kind of like depression in that sense. You just have to stay on top of your meds. Especially right now, with all the pollen flying around, the plowing, and everyone mowing their lawns... you definitely need those inhalers handy.

I started out just using inhalers, but then I eventually got switched over to Singulair tablets, which honestly work much better for me.

Since I was a kid, I've dealt with allergies to dust, sunlight, mites, pet dander, pollen, and pretty much everything else... and my doctor told me years ago that it had progressed into bronchial asthma. I used to rely on Ventolin and Alvesco, but now? Nothing. I don't take anything. It used to feel like I was suffocating, but nowadays, I mostly just deal with allergy symptoms—runny nose, watery eyes, that sort of thing. These days, I take Telfast regularly, and it makes me wonder... am I actually allowed to play sports? When I go for a run, I don't really feel any issues, except for this one sensation when I enter a confined space—it feels like I just can't catch a "full" breath. Honestly, I'm not sure how to describe it better; it's a very specific feeling...

P.S. And one more thing. Does asthma have any connection to heart issues? I'm asking because I've heard rumors about that...

I don't buy that it's a heart thing. Honestly, I think us asthma folks just have hypersensitive systems. Any little shift in the air can mess with your breathing, you know? And I totally get what you mean about feeling trapped in tight spaces. For me, even when the temperature suddenly drops, I get this suffocating sensation. It makes you feel like you shouldn't even bother with sports—especially anything that demands serious lung capacity, like swimming or running... por

Sarah Lee3 said:Every single June for about ten years now, my allergies flare up. It used to just be watery eyes and sneezing, but lately, even with Aerius, I’m having to use two puffs of Ventolin twice a day. I’ve been stuck like this for two weeks already. How long am I actually allowed to use Ventolin if I'm relying on it every single day?
On top of that, I can't stop coughing; I'm constantly dealing with phlegm. Should I go see a Pulmonologist or what??

I just take it whenever I need to. Some days, if things are acting up, I might hit it 5 or 6 times... but other times? It can go a whole month without me even touching it...

It all really just comes down to the season... and whether or not I'm bouncing between different cities or dealing with a total change in climate.

Larry Garcia96 said:I've been wondering... is engaging in sports actually recommended for those of us living with Asthma, or is it better to just take it easy?

Yeah, definitely go for it and hit the pool... swimming is great for opening up those lungs and really boosting your lung capacity... 👍

Whenever I get the chance, I’m heading straight to the pool... honestly, whenever I go swimming, my asthma just completely disappears... 🙂

wearynomad16 said:Personally, I think people living with Asthma shouldn't be pushing themselves too hard with sports. I mean, obviously, it all depends on how bad yours is. For some folks, they can handle a bit of activity, but if even a moderate jog or just walking up a flight of stairs leaves you gasping for air and wheezing? Then absolutely not. No way.

Asthma is kind of like depression in that sense. You just have to stay on top of your meds. Especially right now, with all the pollen flying around, the plowing, and everyone mowing their lawns... you definitely need those inhalers handy.

I started out just using inhalers, but then I eventually got switched over to Singulair tablets, which honestly work much better for me.

boldgardener93, I gotta disagree on that one... Growing up, my parents were constantly hovering over me like I was made of glass. It was always "don't do this" or "you can't do that." Even when it came to gym class, they were so strict about me being active that by the time I hit high school, I was basically exempt from physical education altogether. Honestly, looking back, I kind of regret it... I missed out on so much during those years because I wasn't allowed to just move... 🤣

Look, some days are just straight-up brutal. I've been going through a stretch where nothing seems to be going right... honestly, looking back, I really feel like I should've been pushed into some kind of sport when I was younger. If it were up to me, I’d definitely sign my kid up for swimming... there's just nothing better than that... 👍

boldgardener93, I’m just gonna... 🤦 It’s like this heavy, constant cloud hanging over everything... you know? Like a deep depression that just won't quit. Everything feels muted, gray, and exhausting... even when nothing specifically "bad" happened. It’s hard to explain to someone who hasn't felt it... it's just that hollow feeling in your chest... 🍿

edit: Larry Garcia96 So, there's this thing called cardiac asthma...

So, I was reading USA Today today, and there’s this story about a young woman (27).
The article basically claims that the doctor was clueless and didn't even have oxygen on hand.

Look, journalists aren't doctors, but they really should do a bit more homework before publishing stuff like this. I'm certainly no medical professional myself, but I've lived with Asthma since I was six years old. Up until I was 25—knock on wood, since it's been under control since then—there were a few times where my life was literally saved by medical intervention. Beyond that, I've had at least 30 or 40 attacks where the solution wasn't actually oxygen, but an IV injection—usually dexamethasone or aminophylline. Sometimes SoluMedrol, too.
(I just checked their website now, and they’re claiming adrenaline is the first line of defense—though I assume that's only for the most extreme cases. In my experience, they never had to give me that.

The thing is, oxygen alone can't help you if there's an obstruction or a severe airway spasm; the oxygen simply can't get through, so it won't save anyone in that situation.

They also mentioned that the tourist clinics aren't well-equipped, but honestly, shouldn't things like adrenaline or corticosteroids be considered absolute essentials?
I mean, how can a clinic be missing the most fundamental medications needed for an emergency, whether it's an allergic reaction to a wasp sting, deep cuts, or, as in this case, an asthma attack that could turn fatal.

For years now, I haven't even carried a Ventolin inhaler with me, and the one I have at home is actually expired. But after reading this report, I am rushing out to get a new one, and I am never leaving the house without it again—even though I haven't had an attack in years.

Hi everyone!
I’m usually over on the systemic lupus forums since that’s my main diagnosis, but lately, something else has been really bothering me, so I decided to jump over here and ask for some input.
It feels like I can't get enough air. It’s that sensation where you desperately want to take a deep breath or let out a big yawn, but it just won't happen. It’s like my ribs are clamped shut and won't let me expand. It’s honestly terrifying!
The first time this happened was way back in '95—it was rare, maybe once a year, and it passed quickly. But now, it’s been happening constantly since Saturday night. I’m starting to feel really anxious about it. This past Sunday, I went to Central Park and grabbed some pizza, and on the way back, I felt so bad I decided to head straight to the urgent care clinic... The doctor listened to my lungs and said everything sounded normal. They checked my oxygen levels, which were fine, and then they brought up my lupus and lung health... I don't doubt them, since these issues actually started before my lupus diagnosis.

Years ago—back when this first started bothering me—I had a few allergy tests done (the kind where they prick your forearm), and it turns out I’m allergic to almost everything on the list except tobacco; things like dust mites, feathers, pollen, cotton, wool, and grass pollen... basically all the standard allergens. Back then, they gave me Histamine, and later Dihalar, which I took for about a year. After that, I had about ten years of peace. For the last couple of years, though, it has flared up once or twice a year. My chest X-ray is clear, and my iron and hemoglobin levels are totally normal.

Then, this past Sunday, I woke up at 3:00 AM feeling like I couldn't catch my breath and could barely inhale.
I don't have to tell you that the doctor looked at me like I was losing my mind... I just finished a spirometry test, and while the results should be ready this afternoon, the nurse told me right away that everything looks okay. The only thing is, I happened to blow into the machine right at the moment I was struggling to inhale. If she had called me in ten minutes earlier, it might have been different. Still, the results are technically fine, which is a relief.

One more thing: I constantly feel like there is mucus stuck in my lungs. I can feel this scratching sensation inside, but I can't cough it up, and it doesn't even trigger a real cough. I find myself clearing my throat constantly—just a little intentional hack because the sensation is so annoying—to move a tiny bit of that phlegm so I can swallow it. When I manage to clear it (though "coughing" isn't quite the right word; it's more like a clearing), my nose runs a little, and then I can finally breathe. But this has been going on nonstop since Sunday, and I am seriously on edge.
I haven't been diagnosed with asthma, but could this be an allergy flare-up? I have a friend with terrible asthma who told me the scariest part is when doctors can't hear any wheezing in your lungs; she said that happened to her too—where she’s wheezing and congested, but the doctors miss it entirely.
Though, I am currently on Medrol...

My GP prescribed a Flavamed syrup to help break up the mucus... I should mention that when my breathing gets difficult, Bisolvon has helped me in the past.

I had my chest and heart X-rays done yesterday, and they came back fine.

Eventually, things got bad enough that I headed to the emergency room at the Mayo Clinic:
Since I was already near the hospital after my spirometry, I waited for a friend near the medical center, and I started feeling awful. I decided to just go to the ER and ask what to do. The staff was very kind—the nurse at the desk even went to get a doctor immediately. She suggested I go to the Mayo Clinic first (since they are the specialists for pulmonary issues and are right next to the main hospital complex). There, they did another X-ray (even though I had one yesterday, they said you can never be too sure and their equipment is better) and ran blood work...
Anyway, regarding the spirometry, it says: "spirometry, parameters and flow-volume curve PEF slightly decreased, other findings normal." These are the values in percentages (A1/p):
VC MAX 109.2%
FVC 107.0 %
FEV 1 100.0.
FEV 1 % VC MAX 98.1
PEF 69.9
MEF 75 68.1
MEF 50 74.6
MEF 25 77.7
MMEF 75/25 73.7
I didn't write down the predicted vs. actual values because it would be a massive wall of text, and this is already plenty.
My blood gases are normal—at least that's what the pulmonologist told me (if Dr. H is reading this... pH 7.47, pCO2 32mmHs, pO2 93 mmHs, HCO3 23mmmol/L, tCO2 24mmol/L, ABE 1mmol/L, SBC 25mmol/L, SBE -0mmol/L, sO2 98%).

I'm just a little confused by one thing. The doctor said my PEF was fine, but on my report, I see that the PEF is listed as 69.9%.
While reading articles about Asthma and PEF, I noticed one value was lowered, suggesting my airways might be somewhat constricted and that therapy could be necessary.

Basically, my CRP is 1.1, but my white blood cell count is 14.7.

She prescribed me Rhinocort drops because I have an abnormal amount of mucus draining from my sinuses down my throat—it’s honestly gross.
She also suggested I visit the Pulmonary Clinic for interstitial lung pathology, just in case there's some Lupus lurking in the background. My X-ray came back fine. She mentioned the CT scan would provide more clarity, but she wants to be safe...

My gut feeling is that my lungs are filled with a pile of dried-up phlegm. Yesterday, I spent about an hour using my inhaler, and during that time, I could actually feel it melting, allowing me to cough up tiny bits while I breathed it in.
I’m really hoping this is just an allergy issue that will resolve itself. It’s a strange sensation when you experience something that makes doctors look at you curiously because it seems obscure or unusual to them, yet it clearly bothers you, and you're left searching for answers. I was thinking: if my throat and nose are dry, and my sinuses turn into a pile of concrete... why doesn't all that junk flow directly down into the lungs and bronchi? Since there's no defense in the upper airways, it all goes down, dries out, and becomes thick. Instead of whistling through the lungs, it just settles there and stays put because it's too dense to move. I know that sounds a bit like science fiction, but then again, every theory sounds like sci-fi at first.
So, the hypochondriac continues her quest... I'm waiting for my appointment at the clinic in February, meanwhile, I'm inhaling, sipping tea, taking Flavamed, and having sage honey...

Sorry for such a long and detailed post... I just haven't dealt with something lasting this long before. For the last 20 years, this used to happen once or twice a year and lasted maybe an hour or two. Now, it's been going on for a whole week.

My spirometry results come back normal every single time, yet here I am still dealing with asthma... I was coughing just as much as you were, too. Even my bronchoscopy came back totally fine! In the end, they finally diagnosed me with asthma based solely on my IgE test results...
It’s such a shame they didn't perform plethysmography for you—it's essentially like spirometry, but they seal you inside a booth. It actually measures resistance in those tiny airways. For me, the R tot value is always elevated.

I dealt with chronic rhinitis for a long time, and it just kept getting worse. I had several bouts of bronchitis, and my doctor warned me it might eventually turn into Asthma. Every single morning, I was coughing so hard it felt like I had tuberculosis. An ENT specialist prescribed Tafen nasal spray and Telfast, but I never actually used them. Eventually, I started applying a tiny amount of lactobacilli—specifically from Lactogyn and Linex baby—to my nose and throat every morning and night. That’s what finally cleared it up.🙏My takeaway? My nasal mucosa's natural microflora had simply been thrown out of balance.

Sarah Lee3 said:Every single June for about ten years now, my allergies flare up. It used to just be watery eyes and sneezing, but lately, even with Aerius, I’m having to use two puffs of Ventolin twice a day. I’ve been stuck like this for two weeks already. How long am I actually allowed to use Ventolin if I'm relying on it every single day?
On top of that, I can't stop coughing; I'm constantly dealing with phlegm. Should I go see a Pulmonologist or what??

Of course you should—go book an appointment with a solid pulmonologist. Ventolin is meant for emergencies, essentially; its usage is a telltale sign of whether your asthma is actually under control. If you find yourself needing it more than three times a week, then your asthma isn't being managed properly.
As for the mucus, perhaps try a cough syrup (three times a day)—just be careful with your selection. You need one specifically designed to break up that phlegm.
Has anyone here tried Singulair, and if so, for how long?
jadetinker85, thanks for the advice. It's certainly worth looking into, given how closely rhinitis, asthma, and even gastroesophageal reflux are linked. Also, one should probably be rinsing their nose regularly with a safe saline solution.

I could really use some advice here.
My buddy deals with allergic asthma—pollen, certain foods, the whole deal...
He lives abroad right now, but since he’s planning on moving to the States soon, I wanted to see if anyone has recommendations for
a solid doctor or a specialized hospital in New York City who knows their stuff when it comes to this kind of thing.