1. < Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19

Long-Haul Covid and Asthma Diagnosis (anyone)?

Posted by otter2154 @otter2154, Sep 24, 2021

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

baker00l | @baker00l | Jan 30, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn ""Reactive airways" means something in your lungs or brain is raising an alarm every time something..." + (show)
@sueinmn

"Reactive airways" means something in your lungs or brain is raising an alarm every time something irritating or unusual is sensed and your lungs respond. One of the responses in fighting "aliens" is that your lungs can produce more mucus.

One tactic for dealing with the mucus, beyond using your inhalers, is to intentionally cough it out. People with chronic lung disorders like Cystic Fibrosis or Bronchiectasis are taught a variety of active airway clearance techniques. Here is a demonstration on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXJkZ5fGU7c

It is best done a few minutes after you use your inhalers, and only take a few minutes.

Has anyone suggested airway clearance to help with the mucus?
Sue

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Wow! No one has mentioned anything except to take Mucinex. I think I will give this a try!! Thank you!!

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 30, 2022
In reply to @eric211 "Ok, I will keep you posted. I have one in my shopping cart online right now..." + (show)
@eric211

Ok, I will keep you posted. I have one in my shopping cart online right now and I’m reviewing the second style. I might just get them both. Thanks for your optimism and encouragement.

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If I was trying to choose, I would get the Aerobika. It is easier to adjust, and in my opinion, easier to use. Just be sure to keep whatever you choose clean so you don't introduce germs into your angry lungs. Cleaning and sanitizing instructions are included and there are How to Use videos available.
Sue

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 30, 2022
In reply to @baker00l "Wow! No one has mentioned anything except to take Mucinex. I think I will give this..." + (show)
@baker00l

Wow! No one has mentioned anything except to take Mucinex. I think I will give this a try!! Thank you!!

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Absolutely continue the Mucinex, twice a day. Make sure you get the one with only guaifenesin, no decongestant. And drink lots of water or herbal tea.
Sue

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eric211 | @eric211 | Jan 30, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "If I was trying to choose, I would get the Aerobika. It is easier to adjust,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

If I was trying to choose, I would get the Aerobika. It is easier to adjust, and in my opinion, easier to use. Just be sure to keep whatever you choose clean so you don't introduce germs into your angry lungs. Cleaning and sanitizing instructions are included and there are How to Use videos available.
Sue

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That sounds like a plan. I saw your post on the mucinex, do people normally take that long term? Like say 6 weeks or more?

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 30, 2022
In reply to @eric211 "That sounds like a plan. I saw your post on the mucinex, do people normally take..." + (show)
@eric211

That sounds like a plan. I saw your post on the mucinex, do people normally take that long term? Like say 6 weeks or more?

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I have taken it routinely for over 30 years.
Sue

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1 reply
fab66 | @fab66 | Jan 30, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "Hello, Fredia - If you will read through some of the posts in this discussion thread,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Hello, Fredia - If you will read through some of the posts in this discussion thread, you will see that there is hope for improvement. Also, I have written about some strategies for managing the congestion and shortness of breath. Another thing that can help with asthma at the more serious end of the scale is replacing inhalers with a regular schedule of nebulizing the medication. The nebulizer moves the medicine deeper into the lungs, and can better relieve symptoms for a longer time.

My former pulmonologist's excellent nurse had a great rule of thumb - if asthma is suspected to be short term, and 6 weeks of inhalers doesn't manage it, time to see a pulmonologist and explore using a nebulizer & possibly other medications.

Also, if one of your inhalers is albuterol, it may be contributing to the high heart rate. There are others the docs can try.

Are you seeing a pulmonologist or your primary provider?
Sue

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I see a pulmonologist.

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susie333 | @susie333 | Jan 30, 2022
In reply to @baker00l "Hello! Yes, I had significant chest pain and shortness of breath 24/7 after COVID (June 2020)...." + (show)
@baker00l

Hello! Yes, I had significant chest pain and shortness of breath 24/7 after COVID (June 2020). I was diagnosed with asthma one year post COVID (June 2021) and began using inhalers with good results. Diagnosis was revised to reactive airways at 18 months post COVID, but treatment is the same.
My asthma/reactive airways symptoms improved the first 2 months after beginning inhalers, but no further improvement has occurred in the last 6 months. I still require both the maintenance and rescue inhalers every day. I also have good days and then days with tons of phlegm and slight cough. Wondering why the phlegm increases. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

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Could phlegm be from post nasal drip? When I use my Rx nasal spray that helps cut down the phlegm.

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eric211 | @eric211 | Jan 30, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "I have taken it routinely for over 30 years. Sue" + (show)
@sueinmn

I have taken it routinely for over 30 years.
Sue

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Ok, I was wondering I have been taking the 1200’s for about 3-4 weeks now. And 600’s for 2 weeks last month. I bought both style breathing devices you suggested. I can’t wait to try them. I have some very stubborn mucus in there and it’s driving me bonkers along with shortness of breath. I am feeling a little stronger physically the last week or two but can’t shake this lung congestion. I describe it to people like having a scratched eyeball as far as it being a continuous and agonizing feeling.

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ellen307 | @ellen307 | Jan 31, 2022
In reply to @ellen307 "Recoverying from Covid and Had infusion [ast week , still SOB and csome cough but doing..." + (show)
@ellen307

Recoverying from Covid and Had infusion [ast week , still SOB and csome cough but doing better at least not in the hospital or ventilator Keep on plugging away

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Sob will go away at least every one who has this did leave cough left. Wish taste would return good luck. Sounds like your on your road to recovery.Ellen

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mkportzen | @mkportzen | Apr 4, 2022

I was in the hospital for 3 weeks with covid pneumonia, I came home with oxygen, after weening off the oxygen during the day, I noticed more severe problems with my asthma that I never had before, I wasn’t sure if it was allergies due to the season or post covid, my pulmonologist said its post covid, I use my rescue inhaler about every 3-4 hours as well as Flovent twice a day. If I don’t use my rescue inhaler I can’t talk without coughing.

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