Speak to GP?

[Junglechicken]

I’m a little bit concerned about my asthma again. I do suffer from hay fever and have been taking my daily dose of anti-histamine. My blue usage is creeping up ( two days in a row when I’ve needed it twice) coughing and I start to feel fatigued when it wears off. The real concern is a slight wheeze has developed which is unusual and of late has only happened in my worse attack. I feel I might be over reacting however. Should I call my surgery to have a quick chat with my GP over it or just chalk it up to hayfever? My new GP did say I should call if I was worried and she was a little concerned herself. What are everyone’s thoughts? Your such a great knowledgeable community. PF is still in the green. Temperature normal.

Thank you, JC

[Hidden]

Call them. I had to and got even a rescue pack to use in an emergency. I am also taking montelukast but definitely call them.

[twinkly29]

You should always get advice (professional) if you're concerned.

Personally, increased reliever for a few days during a time when known triggers were about (eg grass pollen peak if I knew this affected me) but other factors like pf were still good, I'd go with it and keep a close eye myself. That's not to say that's right for everyone as everyone's asthma is different - and being anxious about it certainly won't help so even if your GP says it's monitor it, that's reassurance.

I wouldn't be starting emergency steroids (if I had them) for such an occasion (a couple of days using blue inhaler twice). I would also hope a GP had given some clear guidance for when such things should be started.

So...if you have niggles and need some advice then you're not overreacting to call the GP. They may say it's fine, they may suggest something to try - but that's what they're there for. Do you also use a nasal spray? The steroid based ones like Beconase (available in shops) are apparently more effective than tablets. Don't just stop your tablets of course but something to maybe ask GP about in conjunction with your tablets.

[Poobah]

Definitely talk to your GP. You may need prescribed antihistamines rather than OTC ones plus an increase in your preventer or combination inhaler. If you have a runny nose or post nasal drip you GP may consider Beconase nasal spray to help clear it up and keep things under control.

[nmcv13]

Agree discuss with GP, also make sure you have an action plan (you can get one online from asthma.org.uk). That then gives you parameters for when your asthma is starting to deteriorate, and when to take rescue steroids/antibiotics. Asthma.org.uk also have a helpline staffed by expert nurses. Take care.

[Fruitandnutcase]

If your GP said to call then I’d definitely call.

[Junglechicken]

Thanks to everyone who has replied. I had a rough night coughing but that has settled. I’m slightly wheezy this morning with some discomfort around the bottom of my rib cage at the back (Quite normal for me when breathing gets troublesome) but PF is still in the green. Generally speaking my stats don’t change, so it’s not a very reliable gage of what is going on. I don’t have a very good asthma plan so my only recourse is to contact AN/GP. I’ve just joined a new surgery so I’m a bit nervous about calling over what could be me just being over cautious. I’ll see how I go today.

[twinkly29 in reply to Junglechicken]

If you haven't got a decent plan then speak to nice new GP - sounds like she'd want you to have that in place. Definitely ask about other hayfever meds though like nasal sprays. My asthma was bad overnight - pollen issues can do that so it's worth a shot for you.

[Blue-Breeze in reply to Junglechicken]

Hi JC sorry to read you had a rough night. Don't wait to long before you call your GP even just for advice. I always start my conversations with sorry to be a pain. Why who knows? Because we're not are we 😊

Hope you start to feel better soon. This pollen is causing problems.

[ninelives]

Sensible advice on above posts.

Please do call your GP surgery to get advice.

Asthma can be very changeable very quickly.Your GP would rather give you advice and sort out a plan of action than have the situation escalate and be giving you the famous'why did you leave it ' talk.

Hope you get sorted soon.

[Hippopotamai]

I have had similar problems feeling breathless and fatigued by PF not reflecting how symptomatic I felt. Speak to GP/Asthma nurse. My problems were related to allergies and nasal congestion/chronic inflammation. Steroidal nasal spray then nasal drops with a prescription antihistamine (fexofenadine) have made the world of difference. My quality of life is so much better. It took a couple of weeks to fully build up in the system so keep with it if you do change medications. Compliance is important, I notice if I forget even one day the symptoms creep back. I hope you get your answer from your GP.