Hayfever in October!!!

[Gael_flynn]

Hi folks, I was diagnosed with asthma last year after 2 hospital admissions for bad wheeze, constant cough, runny nose etc. I also had to be admitted via resus with a pretty bad asthma attack which was scary stuff, seeing the worried faces on the paramedics didn't help. I was prescribed seretide 250 2 puffs twice daily, montelukast and citirezine tablets and a ventolin inhaler as needed and thankfully I've been fine that is until this past week. I've felt like I have hayfever (in October) with runny nose, itchy eyes and I could scrape the bejeesus out of the roof of my mouth. My chest is really wheezy, I'm coughing a lot and my peak flow which I check monthly since I've been symptom free has gone from 420 to 280. Should I go to my go or asthma nurse now or wait to see if things improve. Ant help, advice greatly appreciated. Gaelx

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i would say ask for an asthma nurse review as a first step

[emmasue]

I've found myself suffering from itchy eyes, ears and throat. There must be something going on out there. My son, who fortunately hasn't inherited my asthma, does seem to be suffering a bit from hay fever. We had to give him antihistamines last night because he kept sneezing. He only suffers rarely, so it must be bad at the moment. I wonder what it is? Hope you feel better soon.

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Hi Gael_flynn

A lot of people have mentioned they are having symptoms at the moment that might be due to leaf mould due to the damp wet weather. More information is on our website here: bit.ly/2yHkJT4

As already mentioned on the thread, do organise a review with your asthma nurse. It may be helpful to call the Asthma UK nurse team on 0300 222 5800 (Mon - Fri 9-5) to talk through your symptoms and what might be causing them.

Hope that helps,

Dita

[Gael_flynn]

Thanks julievictoria, emmasue and dita for your replies. I’ve an appointment with the practice nurse this morning and I’ll let you know how I get on. All the best.

Gael x

[SophPete]

I worked in asthma and allergy research, and over the years saw many, many people struggling at this time of year. They all skin pricked positive to mould. It's worth investigating. This wasn't a research study and is just a pattern I noticed, although I'm sure there must be some research which displays this. I've always felt that the majority of asthma sufferers are unaware of this particular allergen. Personally I feel many people working in healthcare give good advice about other allergens such as, pollen, pets and house dust mites but mould is usually not mentioned. Hope your visit with the asthma nurse gets things more settled!

[Anniecath]

Hi, I had an excellent asthma nurse when I lived in Lancaster. She asked me when I had flair ups and I said spring/summer and autumn. She summised that mould was a trigger. Because of this I take hay fever medication as well as asthma medication at these times and it helps enormously. I regard medication as my "armour". If I'm doing anything that may put me in touch with any triggers ie decorating, clearing shed out etc I strip all clothing off afterwards to wash, have a bath or shower and wash my hair. This limits the number of flair ups for me. Hope this helps.

[nickpeters]

Seems you have an allergy to something, it shouldn’t be Hay-fever this time of the year as grass and other pollens have more or less gone. Some of the most likely candidates are household pets such as dogs and cats, the dander in their fur can cause havoc. Normally antihistamine desensitises us, but as you are already on citirezine it looks as if you should perhaps be on a stronger med. It would be worth having a word with your GP or asthma nurse.

Hope this helps

Nick