To visit GP tomorrow or potentially call 111?

[DontTouchTheMoustache]

I'm posting for advice because I'm on my own so don't have anyone to ask. I have severe asthma, just under 2 years ago I had flu that developed into pneumonia which led to a very severe asthma attack which hospitalised me for 2 weeks and it was touch and go whether I would survive it. It has obviously left a very scary lasting impression on me.
All this week I've been coughing and sore throat, I think it's a chest infection (as coughing heavily, in a lot of pain, very wheezy, coughing up lots of green phlegm). I've been putting off going to the doctor because I know if it's a virus there isn't much they can do but my asthma is getting worse and reliever inhaler not really working on it so I think I might need some steroids to help breathing. I have a young DS (11 months) in bed (also with same bug as me) so a&e would be very tricky as I have no one who can take him (single parent, no family close by). I feel if I call 111 they will tell me to go to a&e as a precaution but I'm not as bad as I was last time so.I think I can manage until tomorrow to see GP but I don't know if it's stupid to wait until it gets worse. I don't know if going to GP is even an overreaction as prior to the pneumonia incident I wouldn't have even gone to them and would have just stayed at home but I think it's made me paranoid and over anxious. If I sit really far forwards it doesn't seem that bad, just tight chested so I'm wondering if I would just be wasting time by going to GP, especially as I say if it's a viral infection. I've been debating getting an appointment all day today but then I think I might be fine in a few hours but then if I don't go tomorrow the GP will be shut for the weekend and I'll have try and find some OOH care.

You do realise asthma can kill you in your sleep don't you? Please ring 111 tonight. At the very least you sound like you need steroids tonight.

Did you try the 10 puffs treatment? Did it help? If not definitely ring tonight.

Please call 111. Asthma can kill you. (nurse who has CPRd asthma patients here)

I think you need to ring 111

The hospital will look after your baby, I've been in that situation and know others that have too. Just ring them. Now please.

play it has relieved the tight chested feeling but I still feel a deep chesty wheeze. When I cough up a fair bit of phlegm the wheeze eases of for a while. Perhaps I will call 111 for advice to be on the safe side, the dying in your sleep thing has panicked me a bit as nobody would know to check on DS

(And obviously I would be dead which would suck)

111. Now please.

It may be that the paramedics might be able to come out and check/medicate you

111 now. 10 puffs is the equivalent of a neb and should clear your chest.

I'm going to call them, I'd rather be safe xx

Good. Hope all is well.

Asthma uk guidance

DontTouchTheMoustache, if worst comes to the worst and you have to stay in hospital (now or in the future) then your child would probably go to a foster carer if you don't have friends or family who could take him. You really mustn't worry if that happens - my sister's a foster carer and I know how well she cares for the children she looks after. He'd be well looked after and would have a great time. Just focus on getting well now.

When you visit ask your GP for another peak flow there is really good evidence with regards to where you should be treated depending on you peak flow compared to your normal peak flow.

The questions you need to ask yourself now is have I taken my reliver correctly as prescribed? How often when well do I take my reliever usually salbutamol? How often do I need my reliever now and is it working and for how long. If it is working and you are not shaking, palpitations etc only needed 4 times today that is very different to someone who feels it is not helping still wheezy after the puffs. Taking > 6 times then get advice can you talk in full sentences ? . You would need to take lo with you. Hopefully you are using inhalers through a spacer

Sorry I meant to write have I taken my preventor correctly as prescribed

When you're well print one off and take it to your Dr who you MUST see within 48 hours of an exacerbation

You should get seen ASAP - you may need a nebuliser and oral steroids. No doctor will mind seeing someone with asthma and your history - they take it very seriously nowadays. Ring 111 - you may be able to be seen at OOH or have a Dr come out if you explain you have an ill baby with you and breathing problems.

Thanks again everyone I'm just waiting for a call back from OOH's now and they said I need to be seem within 6 hours so I'm glad I called. Also thank you for the asthma management advice

Good. Don't be afraid to call back or ring 999 if you get worse.

Good luck

Your baby is much, much better off with you in the hospital than at home with you dying .10,000 people die of asthma in the uk every year. Get medical care! It's serious.

I was ok until I read you were leaning forwards to feel better, that's called the tripod position and happens when in respiratory distress. You may not realise it but you do sound as though you need to be seen tonight. I know it's a pain but I really think you should.

We've had to call ambulances out for two of our dd's at different times due to asthma, they're 3 and 4 now, and the tripod was mentioned as a classic sign. At that point it was low sats, more than one nebuliser needed, steroids and anti biotics as well as a stay in hospital overnight.

Don't take asthma lightly, the coughing up stuff could also be that.

Have you had it flu jab in Autumn?

Just unlurking - I totally agree with others that you need medical attention asap, OP.

My late MIL died from an asthma attack. She thought she would wait 'til morning before calling the doc because she didn't want to make a fuss.

Your little one will be looked after if you have to go into hospital. Look after yourself so you are still around to care for him

Hope you feel better soon...

I read that they have swapped people ventolin for something else in a smaller inhaler. And that this other one does nothing to relieve asthma. When you go to your appointment I'd double check they haven't swapped your too.

Hope you were seen quickly OP and that your little one is taken care of

How are you op?

The best thing to do is call 111 and get their advice and usually this helps fast track and elusive emergency GP appt xx