Hello,

I was diagnosed with asthma about two weeks ago, and I've had a constant, harsh cough for the past 2-3 months. Every once in while, I get a little relief and the coughing decreases, yet it's usually pretty strong, and it gets stronger when I speak. In addition, the cough increases my heart beats and my breathing gets heavier. Sometimes coughing gets challenging, as though I don't have enough air to get the coughing out, and sometimes it makes me feel dizzy.

Has anyone else experienced something similar, and if so, what do you do to support yourself?

Thanks in advance!

What medications are you taking for your asthma? What kind of doctor are you seeing for it?

I have an inhaler - Turbuhaler. No other medication.. I'm currently seeing a regular doctor, yet I received a referral to a lungs specialist.

So you're using Pulmicort? If that's right, what you have is an inhaled steroid. A "controller" medication that reduces inflamation. You may also need a long acting bronchiodilator and definitely a fast acting medication - albuterol is the most common one of those.

My coughing gets worse when I speak or sing, but with the right medication, the coughing is substantially reduced or totally eliminated.

It may take some time to get the right medications and for you to learn to recognize triggers - things that make you cough - and how to prevent the symptoms. Definitely go see the lung specialist as soon as you can - that doc will be a big help in getting your asthma under control.

Initially asthma seems frustrating - a life of coughing? ;-(, but with the right medications and a good attitude, it isn't that bad. I have moderate persistent asthma. I use 5 daily medications, plus my reliever medication, and in the colder winter weather that we have this time of year (fog, ice, and possible snow) - it can be a challenge. But I also have a sense of humor - my husband and I joke about my asthma often. Things will get better for you!

My inhaler is called Symbicort Turbuhaler, I don't think it's the one you mentioned. I'm still trying to figure this all out. I do appreciate the information. I'll be sure to ask the lungs specialist about it.

It sure is good to know I'm not the only one coughing this hard when I speak. People have been looking at me strange for months. I'm glad to hear the cough can be managed - Right now, it feels like a dream to live without coughing. I forgot how that's like!

I certainly give you lots of credit for having such a wonderful attitude about the asthma! A friend told me talking to other folks with asthma can help, and I didn't see how. I'm glad to see she was right and I was wrong. Thanks for your support!

Coughing is good for the abs - you know, the tummy muscles?! Perhaps some of us should develop a cough aerobics work out?! :D

LOL - That's a good point! You don't know how many doctors told me the reason my chest, ribs, etc hurt is because my body is getting a workout when I cough!

If you think of the diets people are willing to buy - we would make a fortune! We can be the Cough Gurus ;)

It sounds like your asthma isnt very well controlled, sometimes it takes time to work out all the meds to keep it under control. Do you have a preventer and a reliever...hink thats what they call them...I used to takr bechotide (preventer) and a vntolin inhaler (reliever) whenever I had symptoms or till the max dose..If the symptoms percist go back to your GP and they might be able to give you another pump or something! :)

Cat