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Original poster

Any asthmatics awake?

17 replies

KefaloniaKid · 27/07/2023 00:37

Hi
I need advice please. Usually well controlled asthma. Awful virus has caused a flare up. Saw GP on Monday - now on 5 days of prednisolone.
I’ve taken 8 puffs of Symbicort already today, max per day is 12.
Problem is that I cannot lie down more than 5 mins without choking.
What should I do? Sit up all night?!
Is this an asthma attack?!

OP posts:

Frequency · 27/07/2023 00:40

Prop yourself up on pillows. Put a bowl of steamy water close to your bed.

Also, Symbicort, in emergencies can be used as and when needed. It doesn't sound like an attack to me, it sounds like a chest infection aggravated by Asthma. If you can breathe when sitting up you do not need emergency care but do phone 999 asap if it gets worse and you find yourself struggling when upright. Asthma is not something you want to play around with.

Hope you feel better soon (((hugs)))

Utterlypeanuterly · 27/07/2023 00:43

Do you have an oximeter?
Definitely try to rest propped up rather than lying too flat.
Sometimes when my asthmatic dd is recovering from a chest infection she coughs a lot because all the mucus in her lungs has loosened. Does you chest feel very tight? Can you take deep breaths or is your breathing shallow?

Choconuttolata · 27/07/2023 00:51

Have you got a salbutamol reliever too? If so how often are you needing it and how many puffs are you taking. When my DH or DD2 are struggling then I give them 10 puffs of salbutamol and if it doesn't help then I phone an ambulance. Have you got a pulse oximeter to check your sats?

www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/asthma-attack/

Original poster

KefaloniaKid · 27/07/2023 00:55

Thanks for the replies. I don’t have an oximeter unfortunately. Chest not as tight as 2 days ago. Breathing deep is possible but a bit ragged not smooth.
I only have the Symbicort prescribed but my husband has salbutamol so I could use his. All this medication gives me a fast heart rate which I don’t like.
I’ve propped myself up on cushions which seems to be helping.

OP posts:

Frequency · 27/07/2023 00:58

Salbutamol is better for fast relief, I find. I'm prescribed both and also a Seretide. Symbicort and Seretide I use as preventatives but my GP did tell me when I was struggling I could use Symbicort as and when needed.

I would have a puff of Salbutamol. I get the fast heart rate thing but find Salbutamol better than Symbicort for that.

Original poster

KefaloniaKid · 27/07/2023 01:07

Thank you for your help, I really appreciate the advice. Husband dispatched to fetch his inhaler!

OP posts:

stayflufft · 27/07/2023 01:38

Sorry you’re feeling rough OP. Have you had some salbutamol now? No experience of symbicort but I always find salbutamol helps me, along with daily Seretide. Could be that you need another short course of prednisolone (and make sure you always have a rescue pack at home - I always ask for another pack for emergencies when I start a course) to kick it into touch.

QueenofLouisiana · 27/07/2023 01:43

I also sleep propped up when my asthma is bothersome. I know tge increased heart rate isn’t nice, but it is a normal side effect of the medication (just to reassure, which may also help).

Nat6999 · 27/07/2023 02:11

Could you manage a hot shower? The steam will help your breathing. Put Vick on the soles of your feet & warm socks on, you could also put some on your chest & throat.

peaceinourtime · 27/07/2023 02:17

A hot shower isn't good for asthmatics over twenty years my asthma wasn't good then after been at the beach I had a hot shower, the steam pushed my asthma over the edge and I spent the next week in hospital. 🙁

Original poster

KefaloniaKid · 27/07/2023 06:57

Well I’ve been up since 5am having managed to grab a few hours of broken sleep.

I checked my asthma plan and must have no more than 12 puffs of Symbicort per day. I’m now adding in Salbutamol too, on top of taking prednisolone until Saturday. I can’t really find any info online about how long I can safely take so much medication.

I seem to be in a grey area of being unwell but not unwell enough for urgent help!

OP posts:

cptartapp · 27/07/2023 07:11

What's your peak flow? You should have one if you've been given an action plan because it refers to your peak flow.
If you haven't got one and feeling like you still need more reliever after 12 puffs a day, I'd ring 111 for advice.
Practice nurse.

Yellowpotato · 27/07/2023 07:54

You need to contact the GP. Feeling like you are drowning is very significant. I would expect you need some nebs etc. Do not waste time having hot showers and stuff. Call up your GP and do not minimise how bad you feel. Get better soon, but expect to be exhausted after this.

Sirzy · 27/07/2023 07:58

If what is stated in your asthma plan isn’t working then you need to seek medical advice today.

Original poster

KefaloniaKid · 27/07/2023 11:06

Thank you all. I’ve been seen by the GP again this morning and I have a chest infection, which explains why the oral steroid alone aren’t working. Now on antibiotics, extended steroid course and strict instructions on inhaler use. They were very blunt about the need for emergency care if it gets worse.

OP posts:

Sirzy · 27/07/2023 11:07

Glad you have been seen, hope everything kicks in soon

WarriorN · 27/07/2023 16:13

Hope you get better on that plan soon.

Fwiw, I had a bad virus that caused merry hell and on Fostair, which is a dual inhaler, up to 8x a day.

the Gp pharmacist said do use salbutamol at night as it's v fast acting and you might be able U.K. go back to sleep More quickly than the Fostair. Plus it's always worse at night.

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