I’m not sure if this needs 111?

[Pimpleonanelephant]

Hi,

Husband’s been very poorly with a cold (not covid) for almost 10 days. Last night I woke up and heard crackling in his breathing. Woke him and asked him if he was ok, told him about the crackling I could hear and said he’d noticed it from about 2 days ago.

He’s asthmatic and has been using his blue inhaler far more frequently too.

We've been trying all day to get through to the GP and I’ve just spoken to them but there are no appointments available (at all today and none have been released for future appointments). The only advice the care navigator could give is, if we think it’s urgent, to call 111.

i don’t suppose it’s that unusual to need an inhaler more frequently with a chesty cold but I don’t know about the crackling sound? Can anyone advise?

Thank you

Can anyone advise?

That is literally what 111 is for.

I hope your DH improves soon.

If you.think it's urgent then definitely phone if not phone back the gp tomorrow at opening see if you can get an emergency appointment

Has he checked his peakflow or oxygenation? If he is controlling it with the inhaler then probably will run its course. If he is coughing up nasty phlegm or breathless seek help.

I’d try the 111 website. You can put in his symptoms then don’t have to wait on hold. Someone will ring you if they need to from the info you give.

Have you checked his oxygen saturation with an oxymeter?

Thank you for replying.

I can’t find the oxymeter anywhere. I had no idea 111 was online. I’ll try that now.

My teenager has the same thing. She is asthmatic and was using her blue inhaler a lot the last few days but she wasn't improving. Saw a GP today and has 5 days of antibiotics and steroids.
Asthmatics need to be careful with things like this.

Sounds like pleurisy (chest wall infection) with the asthma he will be at greater risk of chest infections and should get checked over and assessed for antibiotics

Yes phone 111.