just diagnosed with asthma - need advice - Asthma Message Board

strawberry_jam · 10-13-2005, 08:21 AM

hi im 21yr old female, 5ft7''. i had my first ever asthma attack last week and it was horrible. i never realised how scarey it is for the people that have it. i guess im kinda looking to meet other people who can reassure me. im at university at the moment and its making my life here so hard. im still trying to get the hang of all this. when the attack happened i was in hospital for a bit and was on hourly nebs - dunno what thou?!?! now i am home and have preventer and reliever powder inhalers. this all happened so fast and suddenly it came on. today it has been hard to breathe out is that a bad thing? i have a peak flow of 345 is that ok-i dont really have an idea of what it should be as its so new to me!?!?! Thanks for your help!

infinity98 · 10-14-2005, 03:00 AM

Hi Strawberry Jam, I Was First Diagnosed With Asthma At 12 Years Old. Years Went By And My Asthma Just Got Worst And That Is Because I Was Do What Should Have Been Doing To Try To Prevent Some Of Them. My Asthma Was So Bad That If I Sneezed I Would Have An Asthma Attack. Also, Would Have Them When I Yawned, At The Scent Of Perfume, Performing Activities And Just About Everything I Did. I Would Have To Take My Inhaler With Me Everywhere I Went. Even From Room To Room In My Own Home. I Have Been Hospitilized And Evualted By A Pulmunary Doctor And All They Did Was Prescribe Me Medicine And Tell Me To Just Stop Working. So I Had To Learn What To Do. Whenever You Know That You Will Have To Perform Some Physical Labor You Should Use Your Inhaler 15 Minutes Prior. Also, When Its Cold Outside Please Keep Your Head, Neck, Mouth, And Chest Covered From The Air. I Used To Have To Buy A New Inhaler Every Month And Be Hospitlized Every Two Months, But Since I Been Really Taking Care Of Myself, I Havent Had To Buy A New Inhaler In Two Years Nor Go To The Hospital. My Doctor That I Have Been Seening I Was First Diagnosed Is Still Surprised When She See Me Know That I Havent Had To Buy A New Inhaler In So Long. Also, Dont Ever Think That U Cant Do Exercises, Because Actually Exercise Could Help Build Your Lungs Up Making Them Stronger. Just Remember To Use Your Inhaler Two Sprays Before You Do. About Your Peak Flow Meter, The Only Way You Know What Your Peak Should Be Is By Doing It On A Day When You Feel Your Best And Not Out Breath, Thats When You Will Get Your Highest Reading. Whatever Your Highest ReadIng Will Let You Know What Your Goal Is. If Your Readings Drop 50 To 100 Then You Know Something Is Wrong And You Should Use Your Inhaler Probacly Seek Medical Assistance. However, I Hope That Your Asthma Doesnt Get As Bad As Mine Did. Try Not To Stress To Much And Stay Away From Anyone That Could Make You Get Upset Because It Could Trigger An Attack. Keep Me Posted On Your Health. Hope I Was Helpful.