I had mild asthma as a teen, shortness of breath never a full blown asthma attack. Didn't need an inhaler for years. About 4 years ago I had bronchiolitis and was given a blue inhaler and a short course of steroids. All fine, not needed the inhaler since 2019.
I developed a sinus infection and I think a chest infection 3 weeks ago, been struggling to catch my breath, pains in chest and upper back, coughing and horrible sinus pain. NHS guidance is rest (not easy with a 7 month old!). My breathing has got worse over the weekend so I've booked an asthma review with the nurse for Wednesday. I felt fine this morning so went for a walk, there was lots of traffic fumes (inner city area) and I started really struggling to breath, I gave up and headed home but had to sit down twice to catch my breath, not like me - I'm usually on my feet all day! Got home my blood oxygen was 88, then up to 92 after one go on the inhaler and after 2 more it's back up to 97 which I think is normal. I don't want to waste the doctors time as I'm seeing the nurse on Wednesday, my blood oxygen is fine but I still feel out of breath. Should I try get an earlier appointment? I did try call earlier but I was 41 in the queue so gave up!