To wait until review or see someone sooner?

[Janna123]

Hi,

My next review is due in June.

My asthma is always worse from March-August due to hayfever. Usually only June-July is a real problem. In March I may wake up with a tight chest occasionally but it goes after 2 puffs of salbutamol. Otherwise I'll only notice a problem with real exertion e.g. I can only run for 20 mins when usually I can do 40/50.

This year, I'm already at the point of needing 6ish puffs to relieve symptoms, feel wheezy running up the 2 flights of stairs to my flat and waking multiple times each night. About a month ago I increased my inhaler (100/6 symbicort) from 1 puff twice/day to 2 puffs twice/d. About 2 weeks ago I had the worst attack I've ever had (unable to hold myself up, press the inhaler, keep my eyes open) and so increased it to 4 puffs twice/d. I haven't really felt any improvement with this.

My hayfever is worse this year too, so it's all connected. I take fexofenadine, beclametasone nasal spray, eye drops and use an anti-itch cream for the symptoms of hayfever. I know eveentually I'll get used to having to tone it down and stop exercising as much but it's never normally in March!

Is it worth trying to see someone or should I just wait until my review? The asthma nurse isn't really helpful and I'm sure she'll tell me just to carry on.

[Hidden]

Go sooner. I would.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

If you’re starting to feeling it now and feel like worse is yet to come, you can ring up and see if you can take any cancellation spaces (may be more short notice tho) (also assuming you mean a hospital review - if it’s a GP reiview defo go in earlier)

However it does also sound like you may need a short course of prednisolone now just to help calm things down again, so a GP appt is on the cards (if you mention you’ve had a worsening of your asthma you should be seen relatively quickly). You can also discuss with your GP dymista nasal spray which is an antihistamine spray if you find yours doesn’t seem to be doing the trick atm

Hope that helps x

[Janna123 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you,

I've never tried that spray. I tend to just buy the otc ones to save money!

It is a gp review, I just don't want to waste their time.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Janna123]

If it helps AUK state that poor control is needing your relieve more than 3 times a week. If this is the case a review is warranted.

If you have ‘a lot’ of repeat medications I strong suggest getting a pre paid certificate. £104 (I think) covers for 1 year of scripts and can be paid as £10.40 monthly instalments for 10 months if needed. Then if you need a prescription strength of something you can get it without worrying about costs

[twinkly29 in reply to EmmaF91]

I agree with the monthly payment thing. I'd be stuffed without it!

[strongmouse]

Tree pollen is appearing earlier this year because of the warmer weather we had. I found a few years ago that my well controlled seasonal allergy (hayfever, rhinitis and asthma) suddenly got worse and I needed to change the inhaler I was on.

Do you know what your peak flow is? The Asthma UK has a step up, step down asthma plan and this is helpful to have in place for when your asthma gets worse. I suggest making an earlier appointment with your asthma nurse. You may need to see the GP is you need a change in medication.

If you are unsure then speak to the Asthma specialist nurse on their helpine so that you can go armed with the right information.

[Tre]

I can relate to you, I also agree with previous posts go sooner rather than later & yes pre paid prescription really helps. My specialist also said I can up my fexofenodine when things get bad. Good luck x