Difficuty controlling asthma and feeling generally unwell

I was diagnosed with asthma in March, but have had serious breathing difficulties since January when I believe I first developed asthma, aged 34.  I had to go to Accident and Emergency in March as I was having an asthma attack and was sent home the next day with steroids.  These helped initially, but was off work for a few weeks as I felt very unwell, run down, lethargic and just had no energy at all.  My breathing became difficult again gradually and my doctor put me on a steroid inhaler (Clenil Modulite).  This seemed to do the trick, used in conjunction with my blue inhaler (Salbutamol).  I had small flare ups, but could generally control my asthma. Then I got a lung and water infection and this triggered my asthma.  I had another flare up which got worse, to the point of having another attack on Sunday 14th June and had to go back to the emergency room.  The admitted me overnight and send me home with oral steroids, changed my brown steroid inhaler to the purple Seretide one and gave me clarythromicin antibiotics.  Since then I have felt very unwell, again generally run down, exhausted, lethargic, am very pale, clammy and keep having small attacks but I am able to control with extra puffs of my Salbutamol inhaler.  I have been off work for two weeks and my doctor gave me a sick note to last another three.  I am baffled at why I feel so very unwell.  Has anybody else felt so utterly exhausted for such a long time after the initial attack? Hope someone can help, I feel like I'm going mad!

[melbidd]

When I was diagnosed (early may) after having an asthma attack that landed me in the emergency room , I felt unwell for about a month or so.  Everytime I have a small flare up, I usually feel unwell for one or two days.  Sorry that I wasn't much help, I just wanted to let you know that it happens to me too.  Hope you feel better soon, and good luck :)

[saradee1974]

Thanks for your comments, glad to know I'm not alone, it's reassuring! Hope you are doing well now.  It's a learning curve isn't it when you have just been diagnosed, the triggers etc.  So far I've found that mist, steam and damper conditions like going to the swimming pool are really helpful for me, whereas dry air and heat are really bad.  I know people who are the opposite and can't bear any kind of water vapour.  I've started to keep a diary so i can ientify what I've done in the run up to attacks.  Thanks for your kind words!

[melbidd]

Yes, it is a learning curve.  You just gave me the idea to start a diary too.  I only found a few things, like heat, humidity, exercise, colds, and perfumes.  I'm doing great now, thank you !  Hope you're doing better too.

[saradee1974]

Glad you're doing well.  I'm feeling a lot better now too thanks, though am still getting realy tired when out of the house for too long.  Will be right as rain in no time though, I'm sure! I'm OK with perfumes, though other sprays like hairspray and some cleaning products set me off! Some exercises like walking, using a treadmill or ex bike make me really chesty, but swimming, well, I can do that all day long, no problem! Strange isn't it! Glad you're keeping a diary - it's really helpful.

[ChitChatNine]

Welcome to our Community!!

[exhalednitricoxide]

Hey Sara,

Sad to hear about your asthma attack but glad to hear that your feeling better now. I have my kid who is suffering from asthma and recently he has got asthma attack and been hospitalized for a month and become breathless. He has got trouble in talking also. His lips and fingernails turned bluish color.Not only for us, many people are suffering from asthma attacks. I will pray the almighty for all of our recovery.One more thing is Yoga helps a lot to control asthma. I'm researching more on asthma and pass on the information so that it's helpful for people like us suffering from asthma.

[exhalednitricoxide]

Hey Sara,

Howz your health now? Awaiting your reply.

[lonote49]

I too have asthma issues that became apparent later in life. I'm struggling getting off
prednisone. I've been on it since Nov. And also in the hosp. a few times in the last year inahalf.
I went from my primary doctor, to the E.R. many times, then finally to a pulmonolgist.
Can't spell the greatest so pardon that, but i would suggest a lung specialist.
I still have issues but I have to get educated on my triggers and learn my body better.
No perfume, smoking, incents, thank God my cat's not a trigger. Thats my take on it.
Tale care, hon. Be well. my real name is Cathy