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Long-Haul Covid and Asthma Diagnosis (anyone)?
I was horribly sick for a several months last year (Nov, Dec and into Jan) with severe Covid-like symptoms. My PCP would not see me in person because of the Covid symptoms and only offered pep talks through video chat … so I suffered through it all at home. Finally got to a pulmo in Jan and after testing he immediately diagnosed me with moderate persistent asthma (I am 57).
Fast forward to today and I am doing much better. Still working with pulmo group and through addition testing they have ruled out COPD, Bronchiectasis, lung cancer, ILD’s, etc. And my current spirometry results show “stunning” improvement per my pulmo. So he remains adamant in his asthma diagnosis.
Now he agrees that I likely had severe Covid late last year and the asthma is my gift that keeps on giving from Covid. He also says that at this point it really doesn’t matter what triggered my asthma (Covid or whatever) because my lungs are fundamentally fine and suggests that it’s pointless to dwell on what might have caused this. Anyway, my asthma is seemingly improving, very slowly, over time … I have a few good days, and then a bad one where my chest tightens-up, breathing feels labored, and I produce sticky, white phlegm (annoying and tiring). Has anyone else received an asthma diagnosis post-Covid, and if so … do you see it improving over time?
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Welcome shmorri, Will you be going to the Post-COVID Clinic at Mayo? If yes, you may wish to review this discussion:
- What to expect at Mayo Clinic's Post COVID Treatment Program? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-covid-treatment-program/
@ldropps may have some tips and experiences to share with you.
Yes I will, thank you for providing the link.
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1 ReactionThank you Colleen. Takes time to fully recover 100%
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1 ReactionEllen, when first contracting COVID were you hospitalized and on a ventilator?
My visit was two days, a week apart. I had a bunch of blood work and tests for my lung function. In my case all the tests didn't really give the doctors anything to fix. I did see a physical therapist that was wonderful and gave me a lot of stretches. I was also instructed to start some form of exercise and slowly increase the amount that I do. While I was later told that walking is the best, I have been riding my bike in the house. I am anxious about getting outside and going too far and not being able to get back home. On the bike I add a minute every 10 days. I also attended the Post Covid Syndrome classes which were via Zoom. They were wonderful. They make it sound so easy - too easy. I was skeptical, but I followed the program and I am seeing improvement. I would suggest that if you have access to a pool for physical therapy to take advantage of that.
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1 ReactionThanks for you report - it is great to hear you are making progress.
As for your fear of walking too far, I have been through that when recovering from surgery and illness. My PT suggested walking in the house for 5 minutes to start, then increasing slowly. When I could confidently walk for 10 minutes, go outside and walk 5 minutes, then turn around and go home. At first I felt silly walking in the house, but it worked!
Sue
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4 ReactionsThank you for sharing all of the information that you just did I really appreciate it
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1 ReactionThank you for sharing your experience. I am very much struggling with post covid right now. It’s been 4 months since I was covid positive. I have been to the ER a few times since and plenty of Doctors and specialists. Nobody can find out what is wrong with me. My CT from my first ER visit looks fine and my spirometry test/diffusion tests were normal scores. I am currently on steroids expectorant and beta blocker inhaler. Along with some other meds and vitamins. Exhausted, I applied to the Mayo long haul clinic a few weeks ago and just found out I have been accepted for evaluation and treatment support. The wait list is a few months away. I’m am trying to stay positive and keep active as much as possible but I am beat down feeling most of the time. The stories that are shared here are helpful. I truly hope your recovery's are redeeming and graceful.
Hello, thank you for sharing your story. I am having similar symptoms but haven’t been diagnosed yet with anything particular. You have bronchiectasis and asthma? How do those two differentiate in symptoms as far as how they effect your day to day? I’m currently self diagnosing myself. If you don’t mind me asking, if not not it’s not a problem. Thank you for your time and God Bless.
I had covid in August 2021 and have had the shortness of breath issues. My pulmonary doctor has run several test and I have finally been diagnosed with asthma from covid. On a scale of 1 to 4 I am at the high end of 3 and on 2 inhalers. I have a high heart rate, brain fog, and my eye sight has gotten worse. Has anyone else gotten the asthma? Thanks Fredia