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.
Lately I just have not felt very well. It's a real strain to do relatively easy tasks. I seem to be breathing OK but if I do much I sweat and start gasping and have to sit. There is also some disorientation.
In July I was in the ER and while there my O2 levels dropped. Before I left my O2 levels returned to their acceptable level.
I attributed the O2 problems to the attack and thought it to be short term. Now I don't know. I was wondering if this could be the cause of my recent difficulties since I seem to be breathing OK and my pfs are good?
In July I was in the ER and while there my O2 levels dropped. Before I left my O2 levels returned to their acceptable level.
I attributed the O2 problems to the attack and thought it to be short term. Now I don't know. I was wondering if this could be the cause of my recent difficulties since I seem to be breathing OK and my pfs are good?
That was about a month ago. Just the last few days I have felt bad. I am going to get my O2 checked at the doc's again. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas. Something is just not right.
Your description sounds like the oxygen saturation is falling. That accounts for the disorientation. Sweating maybe cardiac related??? When do you see the doctor again? Let us know what he or she says.
I would call you dr as soon as possible as hypoxia is very dangerous and can cause other complications especially with your heart.
Although you are not suffering an attack you may be having a prolonged minor attack where there is a detioration in your asthma control for a prolonged period of time.
You really shold go to the dr and get checked out as you are describing poor asthma control.
keep us updated with how you get on
olive
He also had me take an EKG which was fine except for the elevated pulse rate. He also had a test for O2 done and it wasn't great but it wasn't terrible. (93%)
Tomorrow I'm having some blood tests done to get a better picture.
I'm to monitor my BP and pulse and return to the Doc on Thursday. Hopefully this new med will work out. Will update after Thursday.
Elevated pulse rates makes everything harder which in turn causes the asthma to flare which further raises the pulse rate, etc.,etc. It's a vicious cycle isn't it?
if you fell like this at all you should eb getting help
olive
I was feeling that low oxygen levels may not be a problem but now that you listed the symptoms I wonder. I have been disoriented a few times and twice this week I have awakened feeling very cold.
As I mentioned, my O2 level yesterday at the doc's office was 93% but maybe it's lower at other times. In the ER a month ago it dropped to 86%. I was wondering why I was cold in August. Maybe it could be an occasional O2 drop. I haven't noticed blue extremities but I have been short of breath and no stamina. However it could also be the elevated pulse rate.
I guess I'll have to keep an eye on it.
I'm glad you are following up your care, and getting the change in meds. I hope this helps. Do you notice a difference now that you are on different meds??
He is adjusting my BP meds and dosage level to reduce the heart rate. Cardizem La has my pulse down to 100 which is a lot better than 120-125. He is increasing the dosage from 120mg to 240mg now that he sees that I can tolerate it in order to try to further reduce the pulse rate.
We are going to continue to monitor my O2 levels but they are still OK. (94%) He thinks some of my problem may have been coming off of pred, even with the long taper. I do feel much better today though so hopefully that's now a non issue.
Got my fingers crossed,
Tom