Recently Diagnosed AGAIN!

Hi, I am new to the site. I have recently been hospitalised with an Asthma attack (2 in 2 days), before this attack I had not had one since I was 10 and not hospitalised since I was 2 both of which I don't remember. My recent ones were extremely scary as I didn't realise that I was having an attack, is there any advice anyone could give me for coping with the attacks and trying to keep calm?

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Hi Katie, welcome to the forum.

Firstly, do you have an action plan? There is advice on the Asthma UK website on these, but in short an action plan helps you to identify when your asthma is beginning to go out of control so that you can take action to manage it before things get serious. I would recommend that you make an appointment with your GP (if you can make it a double slot), so that you can discuss it with him/her. Find out if your local Medical practice has an asthma nurse - that is someone else who can also help you if things are getting difficult.

Secondly, do you have a peak flow metre? If not, ask your local practice if you can have one and get them to explain to you how to use it. Taking daily readings of your peak flow metre will help you to understand your condition. Again, a peak flow metre will help you to recognise when your asthma is not as well controlled as it should be, and you can then take action to head off a major attack.

With the above two points in place, you should have enough back up to help you to 1) prevent a really serious attack and 2) the contacts in place if you have a having an attack. There is also a helpline on the asthma UK website you can call if you are struggling. Then, of course, there is this forum. Many of the people who contribute to it have had asthma for years, so are well acquainted with the problems it can cause.

Hope this is of some help.

Maggie