Brittle asthma

[Titch1908]

So 4 weeks I end up in hospital, they say a severe asthma attack, several nebulisers, steriods, IV sabultomol, IV magnesium, IV phosphate over 4 days in hospital. Taking fostair, spriva respimat, 40mg steriods daily, allergy tabs and monkeluskat. Respiratory consultant, GP and asthma nurse have completely scared me by saying that I had severe asthma attack, that if my peak flow drops to 200 I need to go back to hospital. I can not fault the care, since I’ve been home from hospital the GP or asthma nurse has called me daily, they are saying I need more specialist care now. I’m still quite wheezy, very breathless even just getting dressed. I don’t know why it’s got so bad, so quickly and why it won’t get any better. I’m so frustrated with myself. Any tips? Or am I just being dramatic?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Sorry to hear this

Asthma attacks takes a while to recover from. When they discharge you it’s typically so you can continue recovery at home. I think it’s normally 70-80% normal that they send you home at.

If it’s you GP AN that’s saying that what it means is they are referring you to your local hosp resp clinic for more support. It’s nothing to be worried about they just have more options open to them regarding treatment. Same if you me local hosp AN as that means they are referring to a specialist asthma clinic.

I’m not sure what your best PF is but usually they tell you to go to hospital when your PF is hitting 50% best and not responding to reliever.

Look after yourself, give yourself time to recover (it can take a few weeks, esp if you’re not used to it), and go back if you’re struggling. Sometimes they discharge too early and rebound admissions happen.

Asthma can be like that, hit a trigger and bam! Esp if you’re not fully controlled to start with. It is frustrating, but give yourself time, and seek help if you need it.

It may also be an idea to give AUK a ring and get some help and advice! The helpline nurses are great and can be reached on 0300 2225800 M-F 9-5

Hope this helps and you feel better soon

[doonhamer1967]

I collapsed in the street 4 years ago and ended up in A&E. After 9 days in hospital I was told I had asthma. The next two years were okay but things deteriorated and I had 7 attacks in 6 months. Ended up maxed out on inhalers and tablets and diagnosed with severe eosinophilic asthma. Fortunately my consultant arranged for me to have mepolizumab. Started on this injection 16 months ago and it is life changing. I have almost lived a normal life since except for one trip to A&E due to a work related attack. All I can say is stay positive, once the specialists find the correct drug combo you can have a normal life. Once the correct treatment is found it really is like a switch being flicked.

[twinkly29]

Hi, just wanted to add that, while this must all have been frightening and the unknown is unsettling, one bad attack like that doesn't necessarily mean that you're stuck with that forever. It could be a one-off for example - I've met people in hospital who have either had mild or well controlled asthma for a long time and then ended up admitted with a bad attack but then it went back to how it was before, or who were admitted after a bad attack after asthma developed out of the blue but who have been absolutely fine ever since - still have asthma of course but it's well controlled. I don't know your history so apologies if I've misinterpreted your post but it came across as if it was your first bad attack? Even if it wasn't though, hopefully once you've recovered (and Emma's right that these things can take time to get over) things will be more on an even keel and your referral will be really helpful in terms of specialists sorting things out.

[Titch1908 in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks for your reply, I regularly need steriods through the year maybe a short course 4/5 times and I do end up on a nebulisers in hospital at least once or twice a year. This is my worst attack, though I my asthma has been getting worse and worse since last November and more things seem to irritate it. My physical health in general isn’t in a great state anyway generally but I was managing to work, go to the gym and look after my kids etc but now I can’t even take my son to school because it makes me too out of breath. Just washing my hair triggers wheezing and needing my blue inhaler. My peak flow is usually about 410 when I’m well but lately it’s between 150 and 260 and it’s up and down not consistent at all. Thanks for your reply. Sorry if my post didn’t make much sense.

[twinkly29 in reply to Titch1908]

No don't apologise! It does sound as if the specialist referral will be useful as they should be able to get to the bottom of things and find the right treatments for you.

[Mont05]

Hi I feel for you, I’m in hospital at the moment after an asthma attack Sunday night and passing out. I’ve been on varying doses of steroids since November (haven’t got off them since) and I have been in and out of hospital since then. My specialist has been very attentive seeing me every two to three weeks. It is really scary to be diagnosed with severe/brittle asthma but the specialist teams are usually very supportive and informative, as I have had may questions as I’ve only been asthmatic for 5 years. Seriously though I’ve learnt from experience if things aren’t improving and you are really struggling to breath think you need help phone for ambulance. As for severe asthma I was told Sunday, they don’t mind coming out as it’s a serious condition and they would rather be safe than sorry. Hope you feel better soon Tictch1908

[Titch1908 in reply to Mont05]

Sorry you’re going through this, it is pretty horrible isn’t it! Yes I keep being told we would rather come out and check you over, give you a nebuliser than you leave it. They keep telling me that over and over. I’m a single parent with 2 young children and this is so stressful. I really hope you start to feel better soon. Thank you for your reply.