Potential asthma question

[Hercules12]

Hi
I'm 45 and in good health but in the past I have occasionally been prescribed blue and brown inhalers. This was originally when working on a chalk board and only if I get a prolonged cold and cough. I also have a dust mite allergy that exasberates this but it's well controlled by fexofenadine.
I was tested for asthma by using a peak flow metre. i still have one at home and can get 370 reading.
I'm fine at the moment and its irrelevant for work as I'm only working from home anyway.
I am worried though if I should have a prescription just in case as obviously dont want to get cv and be more at risk of problems. I also dont want to waste gp time. I have called receptionist and my records dont specifically say I have asthma.
Should I do anything or just leave it?

Can you email your surgery & ask?!

Otherwise you can buy them online.

I didnt know that. how do I go about buying online?

I will see if I can email.

I asked my surgery if I should double my inhaler and was told it doesn't make any difference at all if you get this virus. I was surprised as normally with any respiratory problem I would straight away double my brown inhaler.

Ok people doing this are taking the stock for people who have asthma every day not just occasionally. An asthma pump won’t stop you getting CV

Please don’t buy one online
Let your GP decide and ask them

Some pharmacies will do rescue packs (antibiotics and prednisone) for lung patients under whatever local scheme might run.

Mine used to do so on an NHS funded basis when GP appointments were unavailable but since the funding was withdrawn locally he’s twice done them for me privately. About £25 for the consultation and private prescription all in. I’m going to nip down there tomorrow and try to get one myself. Local GPs are unobtainable.

Hi. I've been able to send a message via online form to ask if I need a prescription. I'm aware an asthma pump wont stop me getting it but I obviously want to reduce any breathing difficulties if I do get it.

Hang on. Have I misunderstood? Do you need an inhaler or a rescue pack?

ArriettyJones - do you mean pharmacy has done this for you privately? I have had prescriptions in the past so could I get one direct from the same pharmacist?

it would be prevented inhaler. I've been given blue and brown ones several times over the years

Yes, they have for me. I’m not sure if it’s only your usual pharmacy that can see your records but it might be worth a ring round.

my usual pharmacy is based inside gp surgery and I've always got prescriptions from them. I think they can see medication thats been prescribed in past on their computer systems.

Thanks, ArriettyJones. I've sent a query form to the surgery and I might call the pharmacy.

Good luck.

many thanks

People spreading the rescue pack thing is dangerous

Cortisteroids can increase the risk of COVID-19 complications. Only people who usually get a rescue pack can get a rescue pack

I am asthmatic and home with a chest infection on inhaled steroids and antibiotics (inhaled steroids I take every single day of my life). It won’t stop me catching CV or even prevent me from having complications but if I then can’t get a preventer because we run out, I probably might die

Only people who usually get a rescue pack can get a rescue pack

Well yes that’s what I meant. What did you think I meant?

Someone who never takes their inhalers and doesn’t even have any, doesn’t put in regular prescriptions for months on end doesn’t need a rescue pack just in case they catch CV

Can I just say, 370 is quite low - my husband has always been told if his daily reading ever drops below 400 to call GP - maybe give them or 111 a shout for clarification

FGS , please don’t offer to post prescription only medication to some random on the internet .

That’s why you’ll notice me saying “Hang on. Have I misunderstood? Do you need an inhaler or a rescue pack?“ at 15.42 @Menora

I misunderstood then corrected myself. Okay?

Argh I am going to hide this thread as the misinformation will drive me bananas

You can’t tell someone you have never met their peak flow is low compared to your husband

He is a man and may have larger lungs
You don’t know what size the OP is
You don’t know their lung capacity
You don’t know what a healthy PF is for OP
My peak flow is 550 at best and if mine was 370 I would be ill
But my best friend can only blow 400 so 370 is not that much of a drop for her and she would not be ill
To know if you are having an exacerbation you should do your PF regularly and check it.
Taking a preventer is a long term build up of a small dose of inhaled steroids. It won’t help you in the next week or even 2

Get proper medical advice

@Floralnomad

Not just me despairing then

I work in primary care and people who are asking for these are being turned down to protect More severe asthmatics and the stock of supplies and because it won’t help you. There is nothing wrong with asking your GP. But don’t swap meds online or buy inhalers online for no reason

I've emailed the pharmacy asking if it's appropriate to get repeat prescription from them. Ironically being at home so much has made my dust mite allergy worse.