Good evening all. My daughter was diagnosed with asthma last year at the age of 18, until then perfectly fit and healthy, she broke her nose in the October 2016, then had repeated chest infections, ended up in hospital the following March being diagnosed with asthma, the last year has been really tough in her, bouncing in and out of A&E, short courses of steroids, we did see one consultant twice last year then she was discharged after a few weeks ago I asked the gp to refer again as she had attended hospital in 8 occasions. The last two weeks have been really bad three asthma attacks, first one paramedics were called to work, 2 Nebs then a 5 day course of steroids, 2nd one on last day of steroids, A&E visit 3 nebs and a further course of steroids, then two days later a big attack, overnight stay in hospital on IV drugs, that was last Thursday, she was discharged with an 8 week reducing course of steroids, currently is on fostair 2 puffs twice a day, and a montelukast at night, Benadryl once a day. We have been to see respiratory doc today who was shocked at the amount of steroids so has reduced this, to 3 week course, and says to use fostair 4 times a day even though it’s not licensed for it, he says will help.
I feel so helpless , and just want to understand things a bit more, she has been told today that 3 attacks in a week is just bad luck, which didn’t help her, I hate seeing her so sad and the effect it is having in her life, how long does it usually take to find the balance of medicines that work.
I am a total nervous wreck
Any help would be appreciated
Written by
Lizzyt74
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
That sounds awful, your daughter must be so aggrivated by it all. Have they done an allergy test to see if there's anything triggering her asthma? Keep strong xx
They took bloods today, as the timing fits in with a new pet, we have bought air purifier and made her bedroom dog free zone, we both just feel anxious another attack is imminent, I know little about asthma, haven’t needed to, so I am reading everything I can, which can actually make me more worried.
Hopefully the results will give you some answers and then she can be given the correct course of treatment. I've had asthma all my life and its a pain in the butt! Does she find the nebuliser helps a lot? X
You might want to look at the research on breathing techniques it is possible because of your daughter’s broken nose she has gone from being a nose breather to a mouth breather. This will (if the research is correct) definitely make it more likely that her asthma is difficult to control. The chest infections and allergic reactions will have made everything a lot worse but if she now tries some breathing exercises she might get back control so that the next allergic reaction and/or chest infection is less severe.
Hope it works for your daughter -providing I regularly use the techniques/exercises and monitor my peak flow I seem to be able to manage my asthma. Trying to persuade GP to refer me for an allergy test so that I know which allergens I need to be aware of not convinced that avoiding them altogether is the solution but need to avoid over exposure.
I am going to call them, I just want her to feel she isn’t alone in this, and that there is support for her
Hi Lizzyt74
Welcome to the forum, sorry your duaghter isn't well. It can take a while to get meds correct, but 3 attacks a week suggest she isn't under control yet, do give the Asthma UK nurses a ring to talk it through, they'll be able to give you advice and support. Here's some information about what do post asthma attack: asthma.org.uk/advice/manage...
Thank you Dita, I will give them a call. Or ask Ashleigh too, I don’t want to take control of her asthma, it think she needs advice and support right now, as are both new to this diagnosis
Also to mention, we have a WhatsApp chat service with the nurses if she feels more comfortable speaking to the nurses that way. The number is 07378 606 728 (also M-F, 9-5)
There's lots of information on our website, so take your time having a read through.
Fostair didn't work for me even at 8 puffs a day for months I had an unpleasant attack and ended up on steroids for a week and different inhalers
I'm two years down the line now and am back under the care of a respiratory consultant who assures me I do have asthma (a few doctor's have said no wheeze, no asthma) but he wants to find out what type of asthma and that should help him get it under control... I suspect it's allergic asthma as I'm allergic to all kinds
But I found my gp was hesitant to help really and I guess a bit out of their depth... so I sought a second opinion from the states and since the federal to the respiratory consultant and the ent (to Check for vocal cord disfunction) things are starting to look up
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Asthma very unstable.
Mum of a 3 year old asthmatic
Referral to respiratory?
Really uncontrolled ... feeling out of my depth and unsupported
Return of symptoms on reduction of Pred
