Panic

[Louise Pembroke]

I'm getting into a panic, a virus has irritated my asthmatic lungs so I've had 2 nights of incessant coughing, I'm very tired and this is 9 days before Im due to go to Singapore to dance at an international festival. I'll never get another chance to do it, this is once in a lifetime. I'm using my inhalers but of course the Salbutamol tremor doesn't aid balance or dance practise. I'm getting worried about technical stuff as it is like lighting with my eyes. I'm just feeling really upset

[Knight]

That is so unfortunate! I would suggest possibly some vitamins but I don't think 9 days is enough to reap the benefits that could give. But, I know this might sound insane, have you tried or considered acupunture? I've a totally new found respect for that since a scientific paper was released a year or so ago proving many benefits unknown to conservative/established science and medicine about the actual benefits of acupunture, which was also covered on TV recently in a documentary.
It can help your nerves and possibly settle you into some rhythm even hopefully improve your recovery from the virus, could help with those jitters as well, also there's a malt tea that might help, assam tea, good for relaxing, especially being asthmatic, the more nervous you feel the more it upsets your asthma ...
Failing that thou, I know drugs are always frowned upon but 2-3 days of diazepam could really help get over the worst. When I was younger around 19-21, I was actually put on a 2 week course because my asthma was triggered back then due to stress and 'wow' it really did help - I've since, eventually grown out of it but I still remember how terrible it felt.
Anyway, I really do hope you get better and feel well soon. Good luck and best wishes.

[Andrew MacLean]

Louise

I don't disagree with anything that Knight has said, but just to offer a crumb of comfort, viruses tend to be short lived.

By all means do everything that you can to improve your recovery: good diet, high fluid intake, along with any other remedies that you have found to work. I have never tried acupuncture but my sister, who lives in Spain, does swear by its effectiveness. She is prone to wheeziness and says that a visit to the local acupuncture clinic is a great help.

Like Knight, I'd be inclined also to give conventional medicine a try.

All the best with your Singapore trip.

Yours aye

Andrew

[GarethB]

Try some breathing exercises, not only does it help you relax, it does open up the airways because you are more relaxed so good for the asthema.

Asthma can be brought on by stress, conteous or othewise so just may be coincidental with your impending trip.

Meditation is good for heart, mind and spirit.

[Andrew MacLean]

Meditation is good for heart, mind and spirit.

When Gareth's right, he's right!

[Louise Pembroke]

What I find is that the virus is indeed shortlived but the irritation in my airways takes time to settle. The exhaustion with coughing means it's hard to practice so I feel even more upset and the lack of sleep makes other things harder to cope with [voices] so it's a domino effect. Then if I'm tired my eye doesn't like wearing a lens. I've got to calm down

[jayuk]

Louise

I had this virus last week for 36 hours...and I swear I thought I was going to die! Its now in the press etc about it...called "the vomiting bug"

I was sooo concerned as I felt violently sick (luvly) three times and each time I was praying the graft would be ok!!

Luckily it was!!!

[Anne B]

I would go to the doctors . Asthma can be very serious and there is no point waiting to find out what might happen.

I hope you feel better soon and the dancing goes well.

[Louise Pembroke]

Thanks Anne, I'm keeping a close eye on my peak flow as I have my own meter and I'm gonna hit the sleeping tabs tonight so I can get some sleep. If I can be cough-free for a night that would help the inflammation, and putting in my lens in the morning.

[Anne B]

Snap, had same thing about a month ago peak flow down too 200. Had to increase steriods and go on new inhaler(symbicort) worked a treat.
I tap dance, what kind of dance do you do?