Newby with a question or two.

Hi all. I've just signed up here and thought I would say hi and ask a quick question. I've only had asthma for around 6 years or so and have tried a few different inhalers over this time. The problem I seem to be having is -

Initially the preventer inhaler seems to be working well but after about 6 weeks or so I seem to go backwards. Taking the preventer doesn't seem to be doing anything and I find myself getting short of breath. Lately I have been unable to exercise for long due to severe shortness of breath.

Has anyone else had a similar issue? I have wondered whether it is actually asthma that I have or if it may be something else (COPD)?

I do have an appointment with my GP in 10 days to discuss this but thought would get any help I could from here. 10 days was the quickest appointment, with an asthma nurse it would have been December.

I'm currently using Forstair reliever.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Matt

[Yatzy]

Hi Matt and welcome! Ten days is too long to wait with an asthma problem. It needs sorting asap, it could flare up very suddenly. It’s better to ask for an emergency appointment, which is a same day appointment. The word ‘emergency’ sounds a bit dramatic sometimes but it is only what GP surgeries call same day appointments. A real emergency needs an A&E department at a hospital. You can only wait ten days or more for a routine review. Shortness of breath needs dealing with. Your GP might suggest a different or stronger inhaler, maybe. Good luck!

[Hidden]

Hi Hidden

Welcome to the forum. One of the aims of treatment is that asthma doesn't limit your daily activities and it sounds like you have been unable to exercise as you normally do. We do suggest making an appt as you've already done if your asthma is worsening ie: you're using your reliever inhaler more often than usual; you're coughing, wheezing or feeling breathless; you're waking up at night; your peak flow drops or becomes more variable.

In the meantime can I suggest giving the Asthma UK specialist nurse helpline a call to chat through your medication and your symptoms and advise whether you need help before your appt, they'll also be able to talk you through inhaler technique to make sure the medication is reaching the airways correctly. they are available on 0300 222 5800 (Mon - Fri, 9 - 5)

Hope that helps,

Dita

[Hidden]

Thanks for your replies. I thought I would leave a little update as to what is happening. After an awful evening yesterday with an asthma attack (I think I eventually passed out through exhaustion) I was still feeling bad when I awoke early this morning. I managed to get an emergency appointment at my doctors but was told everything was okay as my sats, chest and throat were all fine. My chest is clear with no wheezing or anything, despite still feeling tight. I have anxiety and was told that it may have been that that was making things worse today. Needless to say I haven't been able to do anything today as still exhausted. I did mention that if I try to exercise I get very short of breath quickly but apparently this is just asthma. I'm not overly convinced though. I was told to keep my appointment next week for my inhaler review though. What's the best way of getting a second opinion?

Apologies for the long message.

Thanks

Matt

[Yatzy in reply to Hidden]

Maybe call the asthma uk helpline, as Dita suggested? It’s awful when you leave the Dr’s surgery feeling that your uncertainties have not been settled and you’re still feeling inadequately treated. Perhaps asthma uk can talk you through things and reassure or give further advice. Good luck!

[dawnmurray in reply to Hidden]

Hi, did you get sorted? I'm new on here and have battled with the symptoms since being diagnosed a few years ago. In the end i asked for a peak flow meter to try and sort what was happening. It helped. It proved my asthma wasn't under control and was given an alternative inhaler. They kept saying it wasn't asthma symptoms but my readings had dropped 20% or more on exercise. I recently have had several severe episodes and found my blood pressure is extremely low at times giving same / similar symptoms.

[Hidden]

Hi dawnmurray,

I’m still a bit up and down with my asthma, although I don’t get as breathless as I was doing. This is mainly due to the fact I have recently lost weight suddenly (88kg - 72kg). Seeing doc about it though. I did notice that although I’m not as breathless my peak flow has dropped from 650 - 590 so I’m back to monitoring it again. I did see my doc a few weeks ago and talked briefly about my asthma and she was reasonably confident that it could be more to do with my anxiety than my asthma. I’ve had my blood pressure done a few times recently and it always comes back as being good. I’m in the process of trying to get back into exercising properly again so will see how that affects/helps my asthma.

Matt