Asthma has a awful tonight

[Willowswood]

I've been suffering tonight, my asthma is really awful lately and I don't know why. I've been taking my preventer every day. My blue inhaler I'm needing to use several times a day.

I should see my GP but I just feel like they will do my sats and if they are ok they just won't do anything. Sats at home have been 93-94, when usually they are 97-98.

Any asthma people on here? 😢

Are you poorly or is it 'just' your asthma?
Have you got an asthma plan?
How's your peak flow?
Sounds like you need to go and see the asthma nurse to get an asthma review done.

If my DD's asthma is playing up due to the weather/illness she takes more of her preventer am and pm and the blue inhaler twice every 4 hours. When her symptoms are back under control she goes back to her maintenance dose.

If you're having to use your blue inhaler a lot and if it's not improving your breathing you need urgent medical attention.

Your GP will take you seriously. Your preventer isn't doing enough to keep your asthma well controlled. Which one are you on?

As a priority though, you sound like you could do with a nebuliser.

Thanks for replies 🙏🏽

Yes I could really do with a nebuliser.

My preventer is Seretide 500.

I haven't got an action plan (not sure why, I've been asthmatic all my life), and haven't done peak flow, will find it and see what it is.

If you are having to use your blue inhaler that frequently you need to book an appointment with the asthma nurse for an asthma review

I have never found the asthma nurse to be that good? They can't prescribe anything, just ask if you're taking your inhaler correctly etc. tbh it always feels as though I know more than she does, as I have to correct her etc. maybe that's just at my surgery 🤷🏻‍♀️

Correct me if I'm wrong but this has always been my experience, for both myself and my son.

I need to see the GP, such a pain it's the weekend 🤦🏻‍♀️

My asthma nurse has changed my medication twice, she has to get it signed off by a doctor but she gets it done whilst I am there.

She is incredibly good though my last one was shit, so fair enough if you prefer to see the GP

Are you at your maximum preventer dose? If not then you can up that for over the weekend

Must be different in your area. Our asthma nurse prescribed all of the inhalers and the change of inhalers.
Asthma review is done annually (during birth month). Definitely worth booking an appt and taking an asthma plan with you to fill out. www.asthma.org.uk/advice/manage-your-asthma/action-plan/
We had to take best peak flow over 4 weeks and then 80% of that became the Amber and 50% of it the red.
There are some telephone numbers that you could contact for advice.

I've been the same, I am going to book an appointment with the asthma nurse. X

@Heavyraindropsarefallingonmyhead

Thanks yes that's a good idea I will up my preventer dose starting in the morning.

My chest sounds a bit crackley just now. Hopefully I won't need my inhaler in the night as I know if my asthma wakes me up it's another bad sign

Thanks this is ever so helpful. I'm in Wales and have never seen an asthma action plan. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I'm going to print out and fill in

You need to be seeing a GP ASAP - call 111 to get seen over the weekend/tonight

Your sats dropping is incredibly serious and at the very least you need a course of steroids.

Actually scrap that, I think you need to go to A+E.

Maybe take the asthma control test and take the results with you to the doctors

www.asthma.com/understanding-asthma/severe-asthma/asthma-control-test/

I'm glad you've said that, I wasn't sure if I was being over anxious for the OP

A crackling chest has always ended in a course of steroids tablets for me OP, it's like my warning sign

Seretide 500 is quite a strong dose and puts you in the 'Covid classification' of clinically vulnerable. You should have an asthma plan (and it should be reviewed annually - but your asthma nurse sounds rubbish).

Do you know what your peak flow usually is? Have you got one at home and done it to see what you are now?

I'd suggest checking with 111 and seeing what they advise. If your reliever isn't helping you (and you're using it a lot!), you may need to go to A&E.

My DD has asthma, I've found a lot of the care to be pretty awful, we were having to go to A&E with attacks that we couldn’t get under control, but her O2 levels are always high, even when struggling to breathe, so they are really dismissive.
She was getting really down with it and then she got an appointment with a new respiratory nurse who prescribed Montelukast. I worried about her taking it, but it has been a complete game changer. She hasn't had an attack since and her peak flow readings are improved.

And I've just read that your levels are down to 93%. DD's have never been that low, I'd suggest at least ring 111, especially if you can hear your chest crackling.

Phone asthma UK. They have up to date trained nurses who are a real wealth of knowledge.

Then call to make an appointment with your asthma nurse. You do need reviewing. Taking your blue reliever on a regular basis means your lungs aren't in peak condition.

It sounds like you might need something else alongside the Seretide. There are many options, don't risk your lung function.

Sensible to monitor your peak flow several times a day for a little while.

Ask to see a different nurse. I am on seretide and also have Montelukast when my asthma is bad. I hate the side effects so I don't take it long term, but when my asthma flares it is worth it to be able to breathe. My asthma has flared really badly both of the times I've had covid.

I've never had an asthma plan though so they may not be offered in all parts of the country?

I can't remember when I was last called for an asthma review, now that I think about it.

Just caught up. I agree with others. Give 111 a call.