Re breathing Tests

[Snowdrop27]

On Tuesday I had my lung function and breathing ordered by my respiratory consultant. (after getting refer last November to the respiratory hot clinc)

I had a spirometry, gas transfer and lung volumes tests. It took me a while to get the hang of the different ways Iwas ask to breath. Manily because I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth in pilates and swimming. Having a noseclip on my nose really helped so I had no choice to use my mouth to breathe.

I did ask why I was having these tests as the consultant just say he was sending me for tests. The nurse said couldn't tell me why. It is my understanding that they are used for diagnosing asthma. This is puzzling me as I believe that I have asthma and am being treated by my GP for this.

I was originally I was diagnosed 14 yrs by my GP with very mild asthma. Since November 15 my asthma got much worse with first asthma attack onto combination inhaler and monkelaust (allergic asthma). Blood test ordered by consultant Last November found out I'm very allergic to house dust mite. I have had flare ups and asthma attacks (last one because of a cold).

I am due to go back on the 20th March to see my consultant to discuss the results. I been told to bring my inhalers and a list of my medication. I presume that the consultant may change my inhalers.

Thoughts please.

[risabel59]

Hi Elanaoali,

The tests you had are pretty standard when you get referred to a consultant. They are not necessarily diagnosing your asthma, but rather trying to see the extent of the problem and also if there may be other lung issues at the same time. They profile all different aspects of your breathing. Also it is a way of tracking your asthma. So I typically will have this kind of full spirometry once a year, sometimes more, sometimes less depending on how well I've been.

When you see the consultant he will go through the results, but be well prepared to go through how you have been since your last visit. Notes of dates of courses of prednisolone, Anti-biotic, or anything like that is helpful. Always take my peak flow diary, and graphs.

Consultants love tweaking meds!!, but there are a lot of great medications that only they can prescribe and not your GP. Because either they are too expensive, or are prescribed off license. 2 drugs I take are off license for asthma, Because they have not gone through clinical trials for asthma, but are really helpful.

Hope this helps

R

[Snowdrop27 in reply to risabel59]

Thank you for replying to me and explaining why I had these tests done. I am brand new to consultant care and still trying to work out what's going on and what the consultant is going to do. My doctors and asthma nurse can't tell me anything as I beyond their care now.

I have been asked to my peak flow chart before I take I take my inhalers morning and evening. My peak flow is back up to my best which is 500. This is the same before my inhalers and afterwards. I only had one thing to report the asthma attack I had last month because I got a cold and it went to my chest. Seven days of prednisone put me right. Forgot to say the breathing tests afterwards irritated my airways a bit as I started to cough. Four puffs of ventolin stopped me coughing.

So consultants love to tweak your inhalers?! I will look forward to seeing what mine does. I like mine already as he referred to me in his letter to my doctor as a' bonny lass' made me laugh.

Roll on the 20th March!

[Erin001 in reply to Snowdrop27]

Hey elanaolai I got referred to a respiratory team last march due to a bad asthma attack January 2017

I've had asthma since I was little and my asthma is only just being taken seriously I think I needed specialists years ago im so glad for the referral even though this has been my worst year but I think this winter has been bad for everyone

but my asthma is being taken seriously and meds constantly being changed but that's cos they want to get it under control like I do it's just not that easy to control

The consultants can do things GPs can't like prescribe higher doses or different treatments do tests etc

[Emily-G]

Hi

I find the breathing tests exhausting, the nurse at my consultant clinic is endlessly patient. After my bloods came back the consultant tweaked my meds one thing at a time til he was happier with my results then told me I was severe persistent allergic and I am now mainly back with my GP on review with consultant clinic I think

Hope he finds a clever tweak that makes a big difference xxx

[Snowdrop27]

I didn't find the breathing test hard but was over thinking what I was being asked to do. The nurse could see that I was doing this. I have had my bloods done (4/5 house dust mite). Looks like I might have to be patient to get my medication tweaked to be right for me. I hope and pray I will go back to GP care as soon as I can. Although I like my consultant already he called me a bonny lass' on the letter to my GP. Roll on the 20th March.