A and E 3+ hours with breathing difficulties and still not seen

[FuzzyBumbleeBee]

Just a whine really as nothing much can really be done I think I just need distracting

I have a suspected chest infection and am asthmatic
After having an asthma attack at work today I called the Dr's and got a phone call back, they suggested I would getting better help and quicker at my local hospital and to call 111.
They also mentioned they thought I needed steroids/antibiotics as I was struggling with my breathing to such an extent it was obvious via phone.

I have now overdosed on my inhaler sat in the a and e waiting room since 4.20 trying to keep my breathing under control
I have been triaged and told I need to see someone
At 7 I was told the Dr had clicked on my name so would be seen soon

Stop being stoic and trying to keep quiet for a start. When they see/hear you struggling they'll prioritise you.

How many blue puffs have you had?

Why not scream out in pain and I expect they will see you quickly. Seriously A&E are awful places. You need seeing to asap.

With asthmatic breathing screaming is not possible and trying to unwise

How horrible and scary for you. Hope you get seen soon. I think GPs could do more in cases like yours but perhaps i am wrong about that. I mean it wouldnt seem to be hard for them to send a prescription to your local pharmacy if they know your medical history,

This is what should be happening, have they done a peak expiratory flow and checked your oxygen saturations?

handbook.ggcmedicines.org.uk/media/1170/54-severe-asthma-in-ae-2021finaldocx.pdf

I can't get the breath to scream
Dp has been up irritating the desk staff it doesn't seem to help

I think I'm on 14 now over the last few hours but I could be wrong
More if I count the ones this morning

Peak flow over the phone about 3.30 this afternoon my best was 320
Oxygen has been done but no recheck of my peak flow

As a fellow asthmatic (not a medic) I think you're ok with you blue puffs for now, you might get the salbutamol shakes but in your shoes if you need it, I'd keep taking it.

Are you sitting near to desk or examination rooms?

When I was last in a&e with an asthma attack, my breathing was so strained it was noisy and it meant it attracted attention. A nurse can you get started on a nebuliser if you can grab one.

Good luck, I know its horrible!

Also make sure you tell them if your body is starting to get exhausted from trying to breathe

Hope you get seen soon , your GP is a disgrace they could have given you steroids etc this afternoon .

You have my sympathy OP A family member was sent to A&E recently by a consultant at another hospital where thee were no skills in in the area, symptoms were potentially life threatening . They waited 9 hours to be seen then were sent home as A&E doctor didn’t agree with what original doctor said. Now been referred to a specialist by GP, and told to go back to A&E if symptoms persist. It’s very scary for them.

Have you got your peak flow meter to re-check? You can keep going with your blue inhaler, are you just having 1-2 puffs then a long pause? You can take up to 10 in 10 minutes if you are still breathless. If that doesn't help after 20 minutes and your PEF is less than 75% then you need a neb.

As a fellow asthmatic I’ve always been advised to do 10 puffs for an asthma attack. Salbutamol can make you a bit shaky but it’s pretty safe.

Honestly your GP should have seen you. I’ve had chest infections with this low peak flow several times and they’ve prescribed steroids and antibiotics which made a massive difference BUT they had me in and checked my obs first. The A&E triage nurse probably knows this following taking your obs and you are being deprioritised which is really shit.

I feel really sorry for you. I hope they see you soon. You need to be resting up and recovering not having a shit time in A&E

This. 100%.

I didnt want to mention 10 puffs because I couldn't remember if it was accurate, but I was once told 10 puffs through a spacer acts as a nebuliser in a pinch

Went back up to the desk I was told to knock on the triage nurses door about 8.10
...
They were with a patient told me to go away
They called someone else in after that was embarrassing as hell everyone was looking at me like the worst person in the world

I know the nhs is stretched and the only reason it still works at all I'd that the staff give their everything but christ

Dp Went back up about 20 minutes ago so about 8.30 and really kicked off

I now have a canula and have been given steroids and they've hooked me up to a nebulizer

Finally I am glad your DP advocated for you.

A few weeks ago, I was sent to A&E with breathing issues (also an asthmatic), and pain when breathing. I wasn't seen by OOH, as they wanted to rule our pneumonia and/or blood clots, and I was made to wait 12 hours before I was seen.

Glad you've finally been seen OP.

Agree. Its a gp issue

Glad you're getting treatment - you mentioned a peak flow of 320. What's normal for you? I only achieve that on a really good day when I've been taking medication for a couple of weeks. But the key thing is what's normal for you (my oxygen sats are fine; I very much suspect yours aren't)

Thank goodness op, glad they're finally looking after you and that your have your dp

Just got home exhausted but I can breath better
They took an xray of my chest as well
I have steroids and antibiotics for the next 3 weeks
Not sure what they think is wrong with me but it'll be interesting to look over my notes on the nhs app in the morning

It's worth writing to PALS quoting the BTS/SIGN guidance and how your care differed from the recommended standard process.

Asthma deaths happen every single day in the UK and poor care and recognition of symptoms is a significant factor.

Sounds like your GP has screwed you over a bit here, instead of seeing you and prescribing the necessary treatment they’ve sent to you A&E where you’ll inevitably be treated as a low priority and sit and wait for hours for the same treatment the GP could have given you.

How are you today OP?