Is it worth asking gp for steroids

[M2AL]

Hi everyone I am Covid positive , tested positive 6 days ago and i have asthma . I struggle at night once I start coughing I can’t stop and struggle to catch a breath. Do you think the gp will prescribe me prednisolone or something and would there be anything that I could ask that may help me.
I’ve had presnisolone when struggling with my breathing in the past .

Only your gp who has access to your medical record can answer this

I did read that inhaled steroids do help asthmatics with Covid.
www.dw.com/en/asthma-drug-brings-hope-for-covid-19-treatment/a-57174301

I’d definitely ask GP and tell them Covid is triggering your asthma. I’m sure there is something they can do.

It’s worth asking. Oral steroids are sometimes used for exacerbation of asthma (sometimes triggered by infection). But do mention covid so they get the full picture.

that study was about one type of inhaled steroid that most asthmatics don't use.

Hows your peak flow doing?

Yes the dr might give you steroids. If you need to ring 111 today.

you must contact 111. They have a monitor at home service for people with Covid who are deteriorating and can arrange steroid prescriptions in conjunction with GP where there is clinical need.

Please ring 111 OP

I have asthma and am a month into covid. Although my breathing has been badly affected it's not the asthma. The covid cough I had was not an asthma cough IYSWIM.

Normally with asthma I double my inhaled steroids if I get a chest infection. So I assume you can do that without asking GP?

Otherwise you should ring GP tomorrow.

To be honest my GP was rubbish when I rang for advice. I already take oral steroids and I found out much later I should have doubled those as well as the seretide.

@M2AL

Hi everyone I am Covid positive , tested positive 6 days ago and i have asthma . I struggle at night once I start coughing I can’t stop and struggle to catch a breath. Do you think the gp will prescribe me prednisolone or something and would there be anything that I could ask that may help me. I’ve had presnisolone when struggling with my breathing in the past .

I keep prednisolone on hand for any exacerbations of my asthma, which gets triggered by colds, etc. I would definitely ask your GP now.

Budesonide was approved as an at home treatment for Covid. I don't know if the UK government is rationing it but it's worth asking (after calling 111).

Prednisolone is being used in hospitals in other countries for Covid. I don't know about at home use or whether the UK is using it.

I hope you feel better soon OP

I'd be tempted to call 111

I have prednisolone at home, prescribed by the dr in case I need them-if I run out of my preventer and it's BH or there's a problem getting it etc.

With you not knowing how covid with progress I think it's better to be safe than sorry. You don't want to be in a panic in the middle of the night if you need some more help. Better to be prepared

Hope you get better soon

Hi op you really need to contact someone who knows your asthma, do you have a peak flow meter or a pulse oximetry? You can get both from Amazon for less than £10

If you’re on inhaled steroids do you have your asthma plan which you should be given yearly at review by your practice asthma nurse? This should have steps for what to do if your asthma is not well controlled

In my area we have something called the lung line where we can access hospital advice 24/7

If you’re really concerned contact 111 and ask for help, if you’re struggling contact 999 do not hesitate to access support

At night try propping yourself up on extra pillows, I find iced drinks or lollies very soothing when my airways are inflamed

Hope you feel better soon

What is the number for NHS Direct, should OP call that or OOH?

@CatAlice
Normally with asthma I double my inhaled steroids if I get a chest infection. So I assume you can do that without asking GP?

If OP has them, not all asthmatics do. My older DC with mild asthma only has salbutamol inhaler (blue one) which is not a steroid.