Which box do I fit into ??

[cathmc58]

My asthma is controlled by salmeterol, tiatropium, clenil modulate, salbutamol,uniphyllin, and montelucast, does this put me in the severe or at risk box ??

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Currently the main deciding box for shielding is prednisolone usage (4+ courses in 6 months). I think the current belief is that it’s uncontrolled asthma that’s causing the biggest issues, rather than asthma severity. If you aren’t sure which group you fit in to, or if you should be shielding then I’d speak to your GP/consultant and ask them.

I hope that helps

[twinkly29]

Yes, I agree with EmmaF91. I imagine if you were in the shielding group you'd have been told by now - but absolutely do check! Not everyone in the shielding/extremely clinically vulnerable group will have severe asthma. As Emma said, the concern seems to be asthma that's not controlled (hence people requiring frequent steroids).

[DollyDutchGirl]

I take Ventolin, Fostair 200/6, Spiriva and Montelukast plus, prednisone as needed....and received an NHS letter and a Government text that put me in the extremely vulnerable group.

A few weeks ago, I was in a bit of a pickle with my breathing and chest tightness so, a GP (not mine) called to the house, as it was considered to dangerous for me to attend the surgery. He thought about calling an ambulance as he was unsure whether it was heart or asthma related but, as I had a very slight temperature, decided we should go down the prednisone and antibiotics route, which he kindly went and got from the pharmacy. It all helped but, he and and my GP feel that I have asthma related intermittent atrial fibrillation.....possibly because of my age (74)....and, I have a blood pressure monitor that displays the irregularities. Apparently it’s a link the medical profession are becoming more aware of. A nurse was sent to give me an ECG but, she and I knew that it was unlikely that the afib would oblige whilst she had me wired up. My GP has now referred me to the hospital cardiology department however, because of the current situation, it make take quite a while until I am fully checked out. If things get too bad, I have been instructed to call an ambulance.