Newbie with worsening Asthma

Hi I have had asthma now for over 20 years now. I wasn't diagnosed until my early 20s. Now in my 40s it has become progressively worse and I am taking the highest dose of steroid inhaler Flutiform 250 two puffs twice a day.

My asthma however hasn't been well controlled for some time and it has been worse than ever this week so I went to see my GP. He took my peak flow reading which he said should be 420 mine is only 320. He has given me an additional inhaler to try alongside the Flutiform and assures me that it isn't steroid based. He also said that if this new inhaler doesn't work then I will need to see a consultant. He has also suggested that I get an X-ray taken and have a spirometer test.

I am feeling very nervous now that he has mentioned seeing a consultant. I would like to hear from anyone who has gone down this route and what has helped control your asthma many thanks for taking the time to read.

[M-D-F]

A visit to a consultant is only part of your journey with asthma, he/she is an expert in the breathing field.

[abowles]

i went down the same route i have very bad astma i went for an x-ray dont worry to much about that its just to make sure all looks good - but i found the spirometer test didnt tell me anything i didnt allready know it measures the size of you lungs through many breathing exersizes, witch is very weird to see on screen the only part i struggled with is you cant take your inhalor at least 4 hours prio to the test if you suffer from bad astma this isnt the best

hope this helps good luck with it all a year and a half on and im still going throuhg testing

[hoping2improve]

Hi. It is nerve wracking, but from what you have said your doctor is trying to make sure that he covers all possibilities which long term take time - but you eventually (hopefully sooner) get the best medication for you. Good Luck

[Emily-G]

Hi, I've had asthma for a long time that has got steadily worse over last few years too (I'm 47) . I got sent to see the consultant and I was very worried about going. He was lovely tho, did X-rays spiro and blood allergy test (he decided my skin was too rashy for skin pricks) .

Since then I have tried a few different inhalers/ tablets/ antihistamine combos and hopefully am now better controlled than I was (tho my asthma is still very touchy). My triggers are almost all allergy relates and getting on top of them (and me taking them more seriously) has really helped.

It took several visits to the consultant and regular visits to my GP and me actively avoiding avoidable triggers to get better control.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon 😊

[Erin001]

My asthma has been getting worse too it is probably the weather

I have been referred to a specialist to try and resolve mine

You should go and see your gp or asthma nurse to try and get it sorted it might mean you need some steroids or your meds may need adjusting to sort it

Good luck, hope it resolves itself soon

Keep an asthma diary of when your having symptoms and what your taking

[Hidden]

Thank you all so much for your very helpful replies. I don't feel as nervous nowx