Worried, pulmonary referral

[joCmummy]

So after months of coughing and wheezing, with a fizzy feeling in my chest, 3 sets of antibiotics and inhalers I am no farther forward. GP saw me today and has referred me to a specialist, I have crackles in one lung. I'm now terrified. Anyone been here? The kids are little and that's freaking me out if I've something really wrong. OH says try not to worry, but I've got to wait two months to see anyone!

Asthma? DD was diagnosed at 19. The first time she had these symptoms for 4 months (after a nasty virus), she was given an xray, and than antibiotics and nebuliser. It got better after 6 months but came back after a second virus. She did nothing this time. When it happened yet again after a third virus 2 years later, and this time she was so wheezy, she could hardly talk for months, she was finally referred to a respiratory nurse and was diagnosed with asthma. It took months to find the right prescription and for her to breath normally again.

Whilst you're waiting you could ask if GP thinks it is asthma related and should you see Asthma nurse at the practice . Do you have signs of infection now ? Eg temperature , worsening cough, pain , phlegm ? If so go back to GP . Once I had a chest infection for about 8 months before it cleared, and GP finally did a scan at 8 months which showed all was fine .
2 months is a while to wait but in that time, if you are worse, go back to the GP .

Hi already saw the asthma nurse no one has confirmed or dismissed asthma. I'm still using a precentor inhaler though and recording peak flow. I have a cough but not bad, phlegm but not masses. Pain is only in my ribs and is suspected to be muscle strain from coughing. Temp is fine and has been a while. GP said if I feel worse before I see specialist to go back.

8 months, wow! Was it consistently bad or just niggling away in a corner not fully clearing, if you don't mind my asking?

It just didn't go away . I had the initial chest infection and had 2 lots of antibiotics, then the cough just lingered on . I started to get quite worried so asked GP for scan ! I think it just took its own time . Wasn't very nice but apart from the cough I didn't feel unwell xxx

Sorry didn't mean to put kisses

Girlofthenorth totally fine, I always put xx it's like a reflex 😁. Cough wouldn't be so bad, it's the fizzy crackles bothering me 😭

You need spirometry testing to diagnose asthma. Preferably six weeks off antibiotics.
Presume a sputum sample has been sent? Chest X-ray?

Spirometry test was inconclusive. Sputum sample came back hib B infection had two weeks antibiotics. 2 chest x-rays both clear. Which I guess is something.