Blue inhaler advice

[Sausagerollfiend]

So, I have mild asthma, only need a blue inhaler for emergencies. My wheezing is usually brought on by allergies, colds. Before now I hadn’t used my inhaler for over a year.

At the moment we are babysitting the school guinea pigs. I have had a big allergy to them. Hives on my arm, wheezing, itchy eyes and sneezing. Antihistamines have helped but since Friday I have used my inhaler at least 4 times a day. I just can’t breathe. My peak flow is reading 450, usually it’s as high as 600.

So my question is, shall I just use my blue inhaler for the rest of the week until the guinea pigs go back to school or should I arrange with my go to go onto a daily steroid inhaler? The nurse really scared me 2 years ago when she said that if you use the blue one too much you become resistant to it.

my asthma nurses were always clear that if you are taking your blue inhaler everyday, and especially everyday, then your asthma isn't managed. Also over time it can cause damage to your lungs.

however preventative steriod inhalers generally take a week or so to kick in It might be worth seeing if your GP would proscribe you a long acting reliever inhaler - like serivent or flutiform for times when your allergies are triggered or as a way to get your ventolin usage down.

my asthma sounds very similar tonyour currently and I am rubbish at taking inhalers but start on the flutiform at the beginning night of hay-fever season.

You should get on the class WhatsApp group and ask someone to take them urgently!
You need to speak to the asthma nurse ASAP or 111.

Thank you, that’s really helpful xxx

@Yeahbutnotreally We have put them into the garage which has helped loads plus we’re trying to be out the house a lot! But, yeah, if it was longer than a week I’d definitely be passing them on.

I'd be handing the guinea pigs to someone else ASAP and not wait till Friday!!! I would have given them to another teacher/family member the day your breathing got so bad. I actually can't believe you have ALL these allergic symptoms, including wheezing and a reduced peak flow and even considering a steroid inhaler

IF you have absolutely no teacher/school family/friends/relatives that could mind the pigs, then call the Cinnamon trust for respite. Have you spoken to your GP/practice nurse re the inhaler? Have you checked your current one is still in date?

That is a massive drop. You need to contact your GP ASAP, actually dial 111 now, and they may well prescribe you a course of oral steroids. It's not the time for pissing about with a brown preventer.

Also guinea pigs need to go. Not just to the garage but gone, preferrably tonight. You need to have nothing to do with them at all but you are still having contact with people and their clothing who have been near them.

Sorry to be so dramatic but that is a huge drop in peakflow and needs urgent action to keep you safe.

The inhaler I have is Salamol 100 mcg. Yes it’s in date.

So I’m guessing the consensus is PHONE YOUR GP!! I think I’ve been in denial. I really don’t want to give up the guineas unless I have to, the kids would be devastated.....I know I know.....my health is more important than disappointment.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. You’ve given me a kick up the bum!

You need to get the guinea pigs into someone else's hands fast, and take industrial doses of antihistamines. You may also need oral steroids, which is where the GP would come in.

You need to phone tonight!

I’ve been on the WhatsApp group and another parent has offered to have them for the rest of the holiday. My daughter is very upset, she’s 8, but when I told her people die from breathing problems she soon came round. I’m going to book an urgent appointment with the gp in the morning and if I can’t get seen I’ll go to a walk in centre.

Thanks everyone.

Update: I spoke with my gp. He’s prescribed me prednisolone 10mg for 3 days to get the allergy out of my system.

Is that what you thought needed? @AnnaMagnani.

Plus the guineas are moving out in an hour. Fingers crossed I’ll be right as rain in a few days. I will need to book in with the asthma nurse to see if anything needs to change for the future and I’ve got to keep a diary of my allergies to then look at a referral to the allergy clinic.

Thanks everyone for your help. You all gave me the kick up the bum I needed to put myself first and get it sorted xxxx