Am I at risk of an attack?

[OliMan]

Here's a overview of my relationship with the condition. I've had Asthma since a early age. I was hospitalised about 4 years of age and had to have a nebuliser then, but not anything serious like that ever since. I've recently got a spacer and I'm taking Ventolin and a 125 dose of Seritide 2 puffs, twice a day but more recently 3 puffs twice a day.

Recently I noticed I'm wheezing more. It's when I exhale longer and harder than usual that I hear a high pitched, wheeze noise come from my airways. Not when I inhale. The most worrying thing about it for me is it doesn't seem to be alleviated much at all taking multiple Ventolin puffs or Seritide.

The strange thing is my peak flow is my average of 500, multiple GPs have monitored my BP, oxygen levels and listened to my chest and everything is good clear. My GP said to increase Seritide 125 3 doses twice a day.

I can still do normal activities and move around but I just feel anxious as its always there and I live alone and sometimes afraid to leave the house or if I have to call a ambulance if its really bad. I do have acid reflux often and my throat feels a little sore, I wonder if its something to do with my oesophagus the inhalers can't treat.

Anyway should I be worried and vigilant about attacks or if its serious? Should I switch to oral steroids?

Thanks for any reassurance.

[Griffon]

Worrying never solved anything !

I too live alone in a remote place . As no one can predict the onset of an attack you just have to be prepared to deal with it when it happens . Personally I wean myself off medication as soon as possible after an attack as the body builds a resistance to the drugs and they then work less well when needed .

[ChrissieMons]

I think that your problem is anxiety, not asthma, as all the tests are clear and you can carry on as normal. Tell your GP how you feel and what, apart from your asthma, is making you worried. You certainly don't need oral steroids.

[Tugun]

Hi OliMan,

Sorry about the questions but I was wondering how long have you been on the seretide and ventolin. Has ventolin been a regular medication all your life and how often do you take it? Why did the doctor decide to give you a spacer? Has there been any recent changes in lifestyle or weather conditions or health? Does the noise make breathing difficult or can you still breathe okay? Also it might be time to visit a specialist if you haven't seen one for a long time. Acid Reflux can interfere with breathing. Google - Acid Reflux and Breathing.

[OliMan in reply to Tugun]

Hi,

I switched from Flixitide Accuhaler to Seritide around 4 years ago I believe. Yes Ventolin I've used all my life. Before I haven't had to take it much but more recently I had to take it maybe 2-3 times a day. I saw a Asthma nurse and she said it'd be good to try a spacer as I said I was unsure about how effective my Inhaler technique was (I have AeroChamber Plus, no mask)

Its quite mild and humid at times here in UK and apparently more pollen. I found my asthma wasn't that bad in the months leading up to spring and before. I can still breathe okay. Ok, I will check. I was on medication for Acid Reflux but I came out in hives after dose so I must have reacted to it.

[Tugun in reply to OliMan]

Hi OliMan,

Each person is different and it's important to trust your own judgement. It's interesting that you say ventolin doesn't help the wheeze. Maybe it's something else. However it could be the extra pollen in the air. Also check for mould in your house. Does the ventolin you take help to loosen the chest? Do you take an extra dose? if you have been using an inhaler for ventolin all your life, I doubt faulty technique would be the problem.

First ask to see a specialist. Also it would be good to have a stress test. I know they are for the heart but it would be good to see what happens when a doctor or a clinician is around when this wheeze happens and a stress test wouldn't hurt.

As you are allergic to the acid reflux medication, ask a naturopath or alternative medicine doctor regarding the acid reflux. They may have an alternative solution.

Lastly, never be afraid to call for an ambulance if you are having serious breathing problems. They are there to help. They don't mind. Always better to be safe than sorry.

[johnsmith]

It is known that Asthma medication can stop working. When this happens you need to change medication. This is something you need to speak with an Asthma consultant about.

healthunlocked.com/asthmauk...

might be worth looking at if you have not done so

[OliMan]

That sounds good thanks for the info, I haven't done before.