Adult asthma advice please?

[Nacster]

I have a recurring pattern - only once or twice a year, but I get a mild cold (mild enough that I don't have to stop doing anything.) Appear to be better, then start a barking cough, temperature, wheeze and asthma attacks. The last several times, I've ended up in hospital. The last time was in January, I had 3 weeks of steroids and gained a lot of weight.

I've just had a cold, was better yesterday, today have a temperature and am starting the barking cough.

I've doubled up symbicort, taking paracetamol for the temp and loads of ventolin. Feeling weak and grotty, but no actual pain. Normal peak flow is 500, it's at 370 now. Not particularly wheezy, but SOB. I would describe myself as mildly unwell right now, not enough to trouble the OOH, but if it follows previous pattern, I'll be properly ill tomorrow.

Anyone BTDT and have any tips for nipping this in the bud? WWYD, ought I to go to OOH tomorrow and get steroids? I don't think I have an infection, not coughing anything up and the temp is pretty low and comes down with paracetamol.

TIA for any advice.

I guess it depends on what sort of a night you have. If your cough disturbs your sleep and you can't breathe properly, I would go to OOH tomorrow. You might not need steroids but it's a good idea to get your chest listened to for peace of mind.

Your peak flow is lower than normal for you and it's worth remembering that this changes throughout the day, with you feeling at your best mid morning and at your worst in the evening.

Hope you feel better soon.

I would suggest making a plan with asthma nurse, you can get template plans from asthma uk. Am a fellow asthmatic. In hosp with it at moment so much sympathy, get well soon.