<human>: I contracted Swine flu and Pneumonia four months ago, and was hospitalised for several days. The recovery has been a long and slow process, and Im still not 100%. I have now developed what appears to be Asthma and use a puffer. On exertion I get Dyspnoea, or when Im stressed I also get short of breath. The Atrovent doesnt seem to help much at all.Is this malady due to lung damage, and will I improve with time, or am I now stuck forever with the problem. Thankyou
<bot>: Hello, Thank you for asking at Chat Doctor. I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:1. Before making comments on future possibility (prognosis), I would like to know many details about you like your age, health before Swine flu/pneumonia episode, any allergies, any nose symptoms before, any other medical conditions, any regular/frequent use of medications, habits, environment, etc. etc. Also, cause of your asthma, lung capacity, allergy testing (if you are allergic), etc. are also required for proper diagnosis.2. Recovery from a serious medical condition can take variable time, depending upon above-mentioned factors. Of course, you could take measures to hasten up recovery.3. I usually suggest my such patients' spirometry with post-bronchodilator reversibility testing, which will help to know your lung capacity, type of airway problem, etc. It is also test that is required to confirm or rule out diagnosis of asthma as well as similar diseases.4. If you have asthma and allergies in the past, I would suggest you allergy testing for common air-borne allergens such as house dust mites, molds, pollen, insect proteins, animal dander, etc. This will help you identify substances causing allergies you as well as to know the measures to avoid them.5. Please continue your medications. If Atrovent is not helping you, spirometry testing will also help your doctor to choose better medication/inhaler.6. Please avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution as much as possible.7. Regular physical exercises including breathing exercises under expert guidance will gradually help you to improve lung capacity.8. Healthy diet rich in vitamins & minerals will also help you in a long run by improving your immunity in general. Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you. Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at Chat Doctor. Wish you the best of the health ahead. Thank you & Regards.