Asthma control

[Roseland triker]

Having been asthmatic for my life so far I'm really starting to struggle as I get old.
Using the usual stuff from the docs and getting out when I can. Thing is short of moving somewhere dry and warm despite being in the best part of this crumbling island does anyone have any ideas on diet ?
I avoid dairy products but do have cheese issues.,...
I exercise every day be it walk or ride and work a manual job outside but just feel I could have a bit more lung power.

 

[fossyant]

Not sure diet, other than what you've done will help, other than watching ones weight as that put's extra stress on the body. I assume you are using your puffer as and when - MrsF tends to use her's first thing, then before any exercise, and last thing at night.

The more you can exercise and push your CV system should help. Turbo trainer for when it's too cold perhaps ?

 

[Roseland triker]

Not sure diet, other than what you've done will help, other than watching ones weight as that put's extra stress on the body. I assume you are using your puffer as and when - MrsF tends to use her's first thing, then before any exercise, and last thing at night.

The more you can exercise and push your CV system should help. Turbo trainer for when it's too cold perhaps ?

Yes puffers twice a day with emergency puffer if required.
Turbo training on the trike is ok but thankfully we don't really get cold here. No frost or snow basically.
I was just wondering if it's possible to increase lung capacity by perhaps training at altitude?
Maybe some sort of weight lifting but short of being like Arnold Schwarzenegger I don't seem to be getting any stronger....

 

[fossyant]

Altitude, well yes but you'll need a long holiday somewhere warm, and keep repeating it (any excuse for a holiday) Proper altitude though, not UK altitude.

Weight training is good for older age, maintains bone density.

 

[Roseland triker]

So live at 3000m in the summer and sea level in the winter.
Seems logical. I'll look into some sort of bench for the workshop weights
Spent a bit of time with the asthma nurse recently but wasn't really much help just a box ticking exercise as I'm relatively fit compared to the masses.
There must be some miracle cure somewhere and I'm thinking either food related or humidity...

 

[vickster]

Have you looked at Asthma U.K. resources?
Maybe they have a forum?

 

[DCLane]

There must be some miracle cure somewhere and I'm thinking either food related or humidity...

There isn't unfortunately, or at least not one I've found. Breathing in cold air through the mouth rather than the nose seems to trigger mine and, living in the hills, it's not always possible to ride everywhere without putting some effort in.

General fitness and keeping on top of medication helps. Together with keeping your chest and throat warm.

 

[Chief Broom]

I used to get bad asthma until my GP prescribed Revlar Ellipta which is a kind of inhalation powder, After a few days no more asthma! i still carry an inhaler in case but cant remember the last time i had an attack. Might not work for everyone but worth a shot

 

[rualexander]

I was reading the other day that the newer dry powder inhalers can make a big difference, maybe ask gp for a trial of one of those, if you aren't already on one.

Not sure if this really works or not but might be worth investigating https://uk.airofit.com/

 

[Roseland triker]

I'll look into the powder type thanks.
I do find wearing a gillet helps keeping my neck and chest warm . I wonder if thee is some type of drink or food that might help because cheese certainly doesn't help one bit...

 

[byegad]

It's hydrocarbons that do me. Diesel fumes will always set my asthma off, particularly if I'm working hard. Some ladies perfumes do it too, there was one pungent one called Poison, that had me wheezing in seconds of exposure. While driving I'll often put the air vents on to recirculate in heavy traffic. But you can't do that on a bike!

 

[newts]

Covid infection sent the asthma haywire. My covid/asthma recovery was helped with a review by the asthma team at our local Gp surgery, changing to Fostair inhaler (dual type, reliever/preventer) together with some breathing exercises. My advice would be to get a review from local health provider, see if an asthma specialist nurse team is available (they are often more up to date on asthma treatment long term). Quicker intervention makes a big difference in recovery & long term health, especially as we advance in age.

 

[Roseland triker]

Covid infection sent the asthma haywire. My covid/asthma recovery was helped with a review by the asthma team at our local Gp surgery, changing to Fostair inhaler (dual type, reliever/preventer) together with some breathing exercises. My advice would be to get a review from local health provider, see if an asthma specialist nurse team is available (they are often more up to date on asthma treatment long term). Quicker intervention makes a big difference in recovery & long term health, especially as we advance in age.

Yeah been to see the specialist. It was not much use as I mentioned earlier.
Just filled out the box ticking form and sent on my way.
I'm more keen on finding the "miracle cure" for me. Weather it be some sort of food or environment I'm not going to stop trying.
When I lived at 2000m I hardly had any problems but being at sea level now for quite a long time I feel I'm getting softer.
Might just move back into the mountains

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

I was put on Fostair several years ago - basically it just stops me having problems
I do sometimes need the blue inhaler - but normally only if something else is wrong such as a cold or very cold air
Oh - and exercise!

 

[kingrollo]

Might be very difficult at the moment. But push past your GP and get to see an asthma specialist.
Your GP will probably tell you they will only offer the same advice. But that absolutely wasn't my experience loads of tests - different range of inhalers - well worth doing.