Asthma Support Group

Asthma is a disease of the human respiratory system where the airways narrow, often in response to a "trigger" such as exposure to an allergen, cold air, exercise, or emotional stress. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which respond to bronchodilators.

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DarknessEmbraced 08/27/2015

My asthma was doing well on my final 5mg of prednisone. Today is my first day off of prednisone and the congestion/tightness are back all back. I'm waiting for a call back from the pulmonologist to find out the maximum amount of alvesco(steroid inhaler) that I can safely take a day. I'm going Toronto with my boyfriend on August 31st and won't return until September 7th. I'm not bringing my nebulizer nor the saline nebules because we just want to have carry-on bags and a personal item with no checked bags. My nebulizer is old and heavy. This is so frustrating! I had a feeling this could happen since the cause of this asthma flare hasn't been found and I'm still waiting for my pulmonary function testing appointment. I want to be off of prednisone because of the side effects. Any advice would be appreciated!

sonnycamehome 08/27/2015

Hi Darkness Embraced,

I would suggest taking some Mucinex, drinking lots of clear fluid to thin out the secretions in your lungs, and also to use your nebulizer now at regular intervals- every 4-6 hours, until that congestion really starts to break up.

I hope that helps a little, and I hope you get to go on your trip in good health!

All the best,
Sonny

DarknessEmbraced 08/28/2015

Thanks for the response Sonny. My congestion isn't too bad today. I use a PEP device to break up mucus. Unfortunately Mucinex isn't sold in Canada. I have used an expectorant syrup which helps some. Thanks for the wishes of good health for my trip! Hope you are well!

sonnycamehome 08/28/2015

I'm glad you are doing better to day Darkness Embraced. Sometimes it takes a day or two being off medications for our own bodies to kick in and start functioning on their own.

What is a PEP device?

: ) Sonny

DarknessEmbraced 08/29/2015

A PEP (positive expiratory pressure) device is a device you breathe into. You inhale into it and then breathe out three times as long. There are different levels of resistance that can be set. The resistance when exhaling helps bring up mucus from the lungs.

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/p/positive-expiratory-pressure/

I don't use a mask.

sonnycamehome 08/29/2015

Thanks for the explanation!

thelmanlouise 08/30/2015

I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Also hoping your congestion is improving :)

warmly,
Carol :)

DarknessEmbraced 08/30/2015

Congestion is actually worse some days. The PEP device helps some. As long as I don't have to take the maximum amount of my alvesco inhaler every day for a week I won't have to go back on prednisone.

annettearizona 08/30/2015

Is your suitcase large enough for all of us?

redvelvetcake 09/06/2015

I second that, can we fit in your suitcase!? How are you doing?

DarknessEmbraced 09/07/2015

I wish you both could have come as well! I loved Fan Expo and Toronto! Had an awesome time!!! My asthma and stomach acted up the entire time. I almost missed my flight coming back home. I have had a sore throat, hoarseness and sore upper chest today. Also coughing some with lots of congestion. My boyfriend has the same symptoms except no hoarseness. I'm worried we both caught something at Fan Expo.

annettearizona 09/08/2015

with both of you having the same symptoms it does sound like you caught a bug-or the weather is just bothering oyu both..welcome back

DarknessEmbraced 09/11/2015

My cold seems to be settling into my chest. The upper part of my chest is swollen. Does anyone else get this? It makes my chest feel really right. harder to take deep breaths and to cough up mucus. I'm following the yellow zone for my asthma action plan. 2 puffs of ventolin every 4 hours as needed(maximum 8 puffs a day), alvesco maximum 4 puffs a day, saline in my nbeulizer, PEP device, symbicort as a rescue and reliever. I want to put off going to the ER unless it gets worse. So far not much is helping.

redvelvetcake 09/11/2015

Ugh I'm sorry you are sick again. I dint know about swelling but I do get it where it's hard to inhale. I usually drink hot water with lemon and take a hot shower. But if it doesn't get better you might want to head tothe ER. Keep us posted!

DarknessEmbraced 09/11/2015

Taking an extra dose of symbicort has helped my chest. I can't take hot showers because the steam makes my asthma worse. It used to help but since the beginning of this flare it makes it worse. I'm freezing so I have a jacket on. My temperature was 97.9F. I might have some soup later if I don't warm up. It's been raining here all day and is 55F outside. It's supposed to be warmer tomorrow. I'm glad I wasn't like this in Toronto even though my asthma and stomach did act up daily.

redvelvetcake 09/12/2015

I'm glad you got to enjoy your trip! But I'm sorry you're suffering so much. How was the trip?? What did you get to see?

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