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Original poster

tight chest, uncontrollable cough with asthma-NHS24 or wait for GP?

37 replies

redfacebigdisgrace · 22/10/2023 10:50

I have mild asthma usually controlled with a steroid inhaler. I don’t often have to use my blue inhaler

I’ve had a cold for 9 days which has turned into a deep cough (mostly unproductive but I can feel congestion sitting in my lungs). I am still constantly blowing my nose too.

I had an awful night last night just coughing for hours and my blue inhaler hasn’t helped at all. I am using a decongestant cold and flu.

Should I call NHS24 or wait and try and see my GP tomorrow? I’m a teacher so I’m on holiday now anyway. So fed up of feeling like this and a bit panicky about the cough now. Just worried with the asthma.

Thanks.

OP posts:
Darhon · 22/10/2023 10:51

Call NHS24, it’s different for you and you know it

TastesLikeStrawberriesOnASummerEvening · 22/10/2023 10:54

NHS24, don't mess with asthma.
I have exactly the same currently and it's beyond shit.

Unithorn · 22/10/2023 10:58

Phone 111, there might be an out of hours GP service near to you and you can get an appointment. If there isn't then please do get checked out still, generally with asthma you know when it's manageable and when it's crossing into struggling.

Original poster
redfacebigdisgrace · 22/10/2023 11:11

Ok will do. I did call them then got the message that as they’re very busy unless it’s urgent I should wait for the GP tomorrow so I hung up.

OP posts:
Wheresthebeach · 22/10/2023 11:14

Don’t mess with asthma. Call back and wait. Do you have a peak flow monitor? How far off normal is your lung capacity?

Unithorn · 22/10/2023 11:16

Please call them again OP, when I worked in A&E ill be honest an asthmatic who usually had well controlled asthma acknowledging they're worried was a big red flag. Generally asthmatics are very good at compensating with their breathing, way beyond what someone else would cope with; when they know somethings not right we would always take that seriously. Don't mean to say this to scare you, just that I wouldn't put off being seen and it's just as important as other urgent calls (the super urgent you'd hope would call 999- as it goes never known 111 to not say they're busy).

FarEast · 22/10/2023 11:19

Turn your shower on really hot and sit in the steam.

Take a shower as hot as you can bear and let it fall on your back. I find that can loosen up my chest.

Try not to take deep breaths even though that is your instinct. Try to breathe very shallowly and in through your nose and out through your mouth as in Pilates. Try to really slow down your breathing.

It sounds as though all your bronchioles are in spasm. Keep using the Ventolin as that helps relax them.

You may need to be nebulised at A&E if you can bear it.

Original poster
redfacebigdisgrace · 22/10/2023 11:22

Thanks everyone. I’m on hold now. The coughing has stopped for now, it was between 1-4am, non stop it felt like. I don’t have a peak flow monitor as it’s only mild asthma I have and I’ve never had issues before really.

OP posts:
MILLYmo0se · 22/10/2023 11:23

Im an asthmatic, and yes if you are worried take action to be seen (im not in UK so dont know the pathways). We know when its gone beyond whats normal for us, and medical professionals prefer we are seen sooner than later. take extra puffs from the preventative now too, it will help a little.
Asthma can change as we get older, you may find Autumn becomes a time when you need to increase your daily dose of the preventative, but for now get seen today

Unithorn · 22/10/2023 11:23

Glad you've phoned them OP, honestly please never worry about phoning when you need it- they'll do the prioritising so don't feel bad. Hopefully you get through soon and hear back.

Original poster
redfacebigdisgrace · 22/10/2023 11:27

Thanks everyone.💗 Feeling a bit tearful and fed up. Was hanging on for October half term break and now I’ve spent it in bed 😢 Still on hold…

OP posts:
Original poster
redfacebigdisgrace · 22/10/2023 11:30

Urgh it’s just kicked me off! 😡

OP posts:
ArtyNellie · 22/10/2023 11:34

Hi bless you! I have well controlled asthma like you and am now finally getting over a virus & infection that started on the 13 th September!! The runny nose, mucous and coughing have been relentless! I have had four lots of oral antibiotics and prednisolone. Just as soon as I felt better my temp would rise. I have had to take time off work ( I’m a nurse) as I’ve felt so poorly. All I can advise is ring if you feel short of breath.My GP has been fabulous. I go back to work
this week and will return to wearing face masks that’s for sure! Take care keep hot drinks flowing and paracetamol. I hope you feel better very soon x

Blinky21 · 22/10/2023 11:36

I'd call, I had this with no asthma recently and was sent for a scan immediately

Happygerbil · 22/10/2023 11:41

You need seeing today. Out of hours GP via 111 or A&E if no joy with 111

ringoutsolsticebells · 22/10/2023 11:44

Asthma nurse here. ED, now!!

fetchacloth · 22/10/2023 11:50

Wheresthebeach · 22/10/2023 11:14

Don’t mess with asthma. Call back and wait. Do you have a peak flow monitor? How far off normal is your lung capacity?

Best advice. Your asthma plan should tell you where the danger point is for your peak flow: below amber beware, red or below call NHS 24.
The point of having the blue inhaler is to control the asthma. If that isn't happening then you need assistance. 😕

Original poster
redfacebigdisgrace · 22/10/2023 11:53

Thanks every. I’ve had a shower and will try 111 again now. No asthma plan. It was just “try a steroid inhaler and see if it works”, then left to it. That was a year and a half ago. Not seen anyone since.

OP posts:
Wheresthebeach · 22/10/2023 11:57

Once this is sorted you need an appointment with the asthma nurse and get to grips with the ins and outs of asthma care.

Insommmmnia · 22/10/2023 12:01

Have some coffee as it can help a tiny bit with opening up your airways whilst you try to get to speak to/see someone about it

AnnaMagnani · 22/10/2023 12:14

You need steroids today!

A+E, Walk in centre, whatever you can find. But it cannot wait.

Wheresthebeach · 22/10/2023 13:33

If asthma is interfering with sleep it needs dealing with. You need to be sure to tell them how you were in the night not just how you are now

fetchacloth · 22/10/2023 13:34

redfacebigdisgrace · 22/10/2023 11:53

Thanks every. I’ve had a shower and will try 111 again now. No asthma plan. It was just “try a steroid inhaler and see if it works”, then left to it. That was a year and a half ago. Not seen anyone since.

I think you need to see someone sooner rather than later about your asthma OP.
The steroid inhaler is a preventer and may not be the best one for you. At the very least you should have your peak flow measured today along with a treatment plan and medication to bring the asthma under control. That may mean oral steroids in the short term. Then you should have follow up at your GP surgery with an asthma nurse.
Good luck and hope you get sorted soon 👍 😊

CharlotteFlax · 22/10/2023 13:36

I wouldn't wait for 111, just go to A&E now as that is where you'll likely be sent.

Depending on how the A&E works there may be a GP based there they can stream you to, or you may need emergency treatment there and then.

They will not turn you away or think badly of you and your asthma is not under control so you need to be seen.

Original poster
redfacebigdisgrace · 22/10/2023 14:06

Finally (after 1.5 hours on the phone in total!) got an out of hours appointment at 6pm tonight. Thanks for all your help.

OP posts: