9 chest infections in 12 months...

[HMack]

Hi all, i have asthma and am in the middle of my 9th chest infection in 12 months. I was diagnosed at about 10 and had pottered along quite nicely until a year ago when my symptoms have gone crazy. G.Ps have been good - am now on Montelukast and Fostair - but are reluctant to refer me onto a chest specialist. Given my mum's history of asthma and broncietasis, i want to push for this. Whole situation is getting me down. Any ideas?! Thanks, Helena

[dinadina]

Hi. My asthma took a sudden turn for the worst with no known triggers. It turns out the neighbor's cat's dander was coming into my house whenever I ran the central heat and air. It turns out my apartment building has shared air ducts. I had to move. So if your asthma suddenly gets worse for no known reason, it's good to search for not so obvious causes!

[junior19]

I had the same thing a few years ago where I had about 13-14 chest infections in one year and by chance I took antihistamines and it cleared up. So I take a one antihistamine a day and things are ok hardly get any chest infections now.

[Bridin]

Get your GP to refer you to a respiratory consultant

[ChrissieMons]

You push hard. A GP is just that - a general doctor - so you often need a specialist who may have a different view from your GP. All this business about costing the GP practice is not your problem.

[Sam750]

My little girl had to have several admission to hospital including a couple to picu before they refered her to a consultant so you may have a battle on your hands.