Persistent chest infections

[Workwise]

Can anybody advice I keep getting chest infections could this be anything to do with asthma or might my inhaler not be working properly could I not be using them right And should you check peak flow everyday sorry about all the questions x

[mrsgailowens]

Go see GP straight away, your inhaler may not be working. See if your GP will change it, also keep a diary, you may have triggers that give you these infections. You have developed intolerances to certain things, that you never had before. For example, I developed hayfever; and allergy to eggs and dairy. You may need an anti histamine.

How long have you had asthma? Was it well controlled? Are you male or female? I am asking as if you are a woman in early stages of menopause, your asthma can get worse.

I am in the same boat, well-controlled asthma, now my asthma is ruining my life, I go no more than 8 weeks without chest infection.

Finally chat it over with the nurses at Asthma UK!

[Matman]

You may well be getting Chest Infections but (as you probably know) Asthmatics can also get daily Mucus without a chest infection. If you are getting chest infections then it's my understanding that, more often than not, they will be viral rather than bacteria, in which case antibiotics won't help. If you get a raised Temperature (even a slightly raised Temperature) then that adds to the likelihood that you have an infection rather than Mucus resulting only from your Asthma. Keep nagging your Doctor for Mucus and Blood Tests and / or referral to a Consultant.

[thewheezyone]

Me too! Strep pneumoniae first now Hib! I am on a 26 day course of doxycycline now. Still 15 days left and I'm just starting to feel better. I also use duoresp, montelukast and just recently I have been given spiriva(?)... tried all other inhalers!

The problem I have is that we don't know how much of my problems are down to infection or asthma. Diagnosed with asthma last year, I'm 41. I'm pretty sure I had a chest infection for a long time that they thought was asthma and so went untreated for a good while.

I have an appointment early April with a resp consultant who can hopefully get to the bottom of my problems. It's so debilitating isn't it! I feel for you x

[HannahForever]

This is alarming if your inhaler wasn't delivering....ask yourself of some food intolerances. I am combating daily Mucus without an infection and suggest you to see your GP

[ErnieErnie]

As an asmatic yoy will be more prone to infections due to there being more gunk in your airways. I typically get 2-3 a year triggered by colds. I always take antibiotics and they always work.