Advice for a newbee

[Treed12]

Hi, i was diagnosed with asthma in feb this year. All very new to me. I had a severe asthma attack last Thursday. Was taken to a&e by ambulance. All very scary! I had iv steroids and a nebulizer. Lots of tests. Came back with inflammation. Sent on my way after i had recovered a bit with steroid tablets. Still felt dreadful, tightness chest pain short of breath dizzyness. Went for gp review on sat. Changed my brown inhaler to a purple one and increased the dose of tablets. Gp said i should be feeling better. But if i get worse or no better call 111. Reluctant to do this as they were the ones who sent the ambulance! Felt dreadful yesterday. Used my blue inhaler 7 times, wasnt really working. Woken up still feeling the same. When do you feel better! Getting fed up! Is it lingering or does it take a long time to recover? Sorry for the ramble. Being a bank holiday, there is little advice on hand.

Thank you.

[Prestart55]

I would go to walk in centre

[Treed12 in reply to Prestart55]

Thank you for your reply. I ended up having another bad attack so called 111 and they sent a paramedic. Had a nebulizer. Feeling a bit better. Just a lot to adjust too! Still feel cra0 but i suppose its all part of it.

[Asthma-girl]

I think if you’re not feeling any better it is best to seek medical help/advice

[Treed12 in reply to Asthma-girl]

Thank you for your reply. Being a bank holiday my only option was to call 111, but i was a bit reluctant to as i knew they would just send an ambulance. I just don't want to waste anyones time. It did get much worse. And i did end up having an ambulance sent out. Feeling a bit better this morning!

[TJRN1959]

Never be afraid to call for help. A couple weeks back I made the mistake of waiting to see if things improved when I awoke with a bad cough and wheezing. Over the course of 20 minutes things only got worse. My wife called 999, but the ambulance took 25 minutes to arrive - the longest 25 minutes of my life. The paramedic said that I'd come "that close", and held up his thumb and forefinger indicating a very small margin. I had three days in hospital, numerous nebulisers, IV antibiotics and steroid tablets to treat the chest infection that had exacerbated the asthma. Make a fuss, and ask the Respiratory nurse at your GP to show you how best to use the inhalers you've been given, and don't be worried about calling for help if you're struggling. Keep a peak flow diary and learn to recognise the signs of an impending attack. Asthma kills people, and although I wouldn't advocate making unnecessary 999 calls, if you're struggling to breathe and your blue inhaler isn't helping then it's a call that has to be made.

[Treed12 in reply to TJRN1959]

Thank you. I just cant get my head around how serious it can be. Its a bit of a wake up call.

[Robin77 in reply to Treed12]

Absolutely agree with TJRN 1959 above. Don't hesitate to ask for help. Don't underestimate asthma. Things can precipitate fast. Even with a history of mild asthma.

[Anniecath]

Hi there, sorry to hear you're struggling. Along with the other advice I would add that it might be helpful if you could get some help with breathing exercises to help control breathing. Not a cure but I've found it very useful. Never hesitate to ask for help, it is a life threatening disease. Hope you get on top of this.

[Treed12 in reply to Anniecath]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi Treed12

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you had an asthma attack. Just to add to the great advice on the post, don't be afraid of causing a fuss, even at night. It's important that you seek help straight away.

You might find the Asthma Attack Recovery plan useful: bit.ly/2Cv7INK

We also run a 12 week Asthma Support programme that aims to help you get control of your symptoms and you can register your interest here: bit.ly/2tYEfDJ

Hope that helps,

Dita

[Treed12 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.