Asthma
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I have had a very bad cold since 23 rd Dec of which has now gone into asthma I have been put on antibiotics, and nebuliser 4 times a day and 8 a day steroid tablets .. I have not been sleeping. Very well but when I do full to sleep I wake up an hour later and cannot breath , I was rushed to hospital 2 days ago put on nebuliser and chest X-ray ,bloods and gas oxygen bloods were fine peak flow good ,got sent home and told to carry on at home with medicine and nebuliser, however still happening so struggling as so scared to sleep .. I have also had terrible pain in my right lung and when coughing it’s killing me has anyone else had this problem and can you advice me please just don’t know what to do or up my nebuliser .please help
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GrammyBea Granny_21
Posted
Hi Granny21
Is this all new to you? If you have not had any episodes of asthma before, it may well come as a shock to learn that having asthma can be quite painful! However, there are a few things that could you do to help yourself and take a little control back.
Firstly, do you have a peak flow monitor and a 'spacer'. The peak flow monitor will alert you to whether your breathing is going 'off' or improving. ideally, you should know what your optimum peak flow is so you'll be able to see which way you are going. A spacer is a plastic device into which the blue 'reliever' is positioned. Your lips seal around the other end of the spacer and when you press the reliever, the drug is shot into the spacer and you then breathe in, instantaneously. The spacer stops much of the drug being wasted and although a little cumbersome, it is well worth having as you will absorb more drug by using it.
If you don't have either, you can obtain them by speaking to your surgery - the asthma nurse, if you have one, will be able to obtain a script for you.
Yes! Asthma is painful and when you are coughing it may feel as if your lungs are being pulled out of you with shards of broken glass. Quite normal, I am afraid - well, at least it is with me! The muscles controlling your lungs (I am paraphrasing) have to work extra specially hard and they don't like it and complain! It is likely that the pain is mostly muscular. You should help this aspect by taking regular paracetamol (by the clock so you only take two tablets every six hours, so that's eight in any 24-hour period - no more). Do not use Ibuprofen - not so good for asthmatics.
The steroids should soon help to relieve some of the inflammation in your lungs and will also help ease the pain.
Finally, try not to panic. Easily said, I know. If your peak flow has not worsened considerably (and if it has, you need to go to hospital), use your reliever. I and I am writing personally, here, sometimes need to use mine many many MANY times a day. I once spoke to the manufacturer of the drug who told me that I could use it far far more than the recommended dosage and I do. I obviously can't advise mega-usage but a few more than the recommended dose should be fine. It is so easy to panic and think one is going to die but as long as the peak flow is not down, you should be OK.
Currently, I am also on antibiotics and steroids but this is usual for me particularly in the winter months, so I am monitoring and staying calm - easier for me than you, I am sure.
If at any time you feel that you really can't breathe but are calm, do ring 111 or 999 (if you are in the UK) and they will advise you further. I write only as a patient and not as a medical practitioner, Do seek further advice if the blue reliever, painkillers, peak-flow and spacer, if you have them, are not working.
I hope you soon feel better soon. Don't forget - you should improve very soon.
Regards
GrammyBea