Would you see a GP for a cold?

[user1469032438]

I have had a cold for 6 weeks, it just won't clear sometimes it get a bit better but then it gets worse again but it's making my asthma worse, I am waking up 2 or 3 times a night for my inhaler because my chest is so tight it hurts and I can't breathe hardly, my asthma is usually well controlled.

I'm shattered because I'm not sleeping and I still have a house and a 5 year old and a job and I'm just miserable. I cried in work yesterday for the first time ever over something stupid because it was just one thing too much if that makes sense.

But I feel stupid going to the doctors over a cold :( would you go the GP?

Thanks

YABU to go GP
YANBU to go GP

The cold has probably developed into a chest infection. You might need antibiotics to clear it. As it is negatively impacting on your asthma I would ask for either nurse who can prescribe medication appointment or GP.

But you wouldn't be going for a cold, you would be going because of your asthma, which has been affected because of the cold.

For a cold, no, I wouldn't. This sounds like you are likely having some ongoing sinus issues/postnasal drip, which is triggering your asthma. I had a cold about 6 weeks ago as well and still have the same. Whatever is going around at the moment is pretty nasty - much worse than when I had COVID! My asthma is also probably the worst its been in years.

I would speak to your GP or asthma nurse about your asthma symptoms though. It could be you need a short dose of steroids or to up your inhaler or a slightly different one. Also, what I've found helps me is using a saline nasal spray regularly. It lessens the post nasal drip, which means I'm not coughing and sputtering constantly.

Probably the nurse rather than GP. Just say to the receptionist you need to see someone about your uncontrolled asthma as you've been unwell. They'll make the appropriate appointment.

It's not just a cold though, is it? In your case, I would absolutely see the GP.

One of the first questions you are asked about most health problems is whether it affects your sleep and this is, definitely see your GP. I have asthma and once went with prolonged problems and the GP basically told me I was a silly girl and in the midst of an extended asthma attack! I had never heard of that before or since but steroids sorted me out. Get better soon, you must be exhausted.

Yes, call! I wouldn't for a cold normally, but it's affecting your asthma - needs dealing with urgently x

What does your asthma plan say? Mine tells me to speak to a GP after xx days.

Get well soon

I don’t fuck around with my asthma. As soon as I realise something is wrong I contact the gp. I never mention the cold that starts the decline until I speak to the gp/nurse.

I used to be very blaźe about it, but blue lighted to hospital has given me that kick up my arse I needed.

wirh the current ambulance delays i definitely wouldn’t screw around.

Not a cold, an asthma exacerbation that needs attention. Agree that the asthma nurse may well be the best person to talk to.

You should also ask for guidance on when you should seek attention, you probably should've gone in weeks ago

Yanbu. Are you sure it's just a cold? I called my gp after a cough had no improvement after a few weeks. They prescribed antibiotics and I was a lot better within a few days so it must have been bacterial.

In my experience the nurses are rubbish with asthma problems. If you need anything new prescribing you need the GP anyway.

All the nurse can do is tell you to take your inhaler more, or do your peak flow, which you can do yourself at home anyway.

I agree nurses are rubbish with asthma problems. They monitor, but if you need more help they do not know enough.

I was prepared to say "see the doctor for a cold??" but this isn't really a cold. Six weeks and you need your inhaler 2-3x a night, something is going on. Say it's asthma though not a cold so the receptionist takes you seriously.

I'd go - and have whenever my asthma is affected. Waking up in the night is a sign that your asthma is out of control

For a cold, no. For ongoing breathing problems or other troubling symptoms, yes.

You should go to the GP because it sounds like more than just a cold.

I had a "cold" that went on for weeks, turned out it was bronchitis. Go to the doctor.