Asthma worsening

[Daveyg1]

I have had asthma about 15 months and after clenil I was prescribed seratide 125 /25 combination preventer . This has worked quite well until last the 4 months when I have had 5 moderate attacks, the last 2 within 4 weeks where I have used 12 and then 15 blue puffs to stabilise. Each time I feel under the weather for a few days after. After the one before I called the doctor who just said keep taking the medication. I use a spacer and have good inhalation technique etc. Dont know whether I am wasting my time calling again or whether this is normal asthma I have to live with. Advice appreciated

Thanks

[Troilus]

Hi Davey,

The aim of asthma management is to avoid asthma attacks. As you have recently had two, I think it is an idea to have your medication reviewed.

It may be just a blip and you have come into contact with a trigger, but it is best discussed with someone.

Does your surgery have an asthma nurse? If so, I would ring up and see if you can get an appointment.

Do you keep a record of your peak flows? If not, I think it would be a good idea to start. This information helps your asthma nurse/GP see what is happening over time. It will also let you know how your asthma is behaves.

For example, mine always drops in August, October and February.

[Daveyg1 in reply to Troilus]

Thanks, I will try the nurse. My peak flow has gone up by 100 since I have started taking medication but my attacks come on suddenly over 15 minutes and it's the shortage of breath and some coughing that comes from nowhere plus the indifference from the doctor that is a worry.

[Troilus in reply to Daveyg1]

Unfortunately Davey, some GP’s lack understanding. Hopefully you will have better luck with the nurse. If, when you book, you tell them you are having attacks, they might well offer you a quick appointment.

Mine attacks also come on very quickly. I don’t wait to see how things progress, I use my blue inhaler straight away. The same with a cough, straight to the blue.

Hope you get seen soon. If it is going to be a long delay you could always try 111. If you are worried that you will be given an appointment with your own GP, then make the call out of hours.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi Davey sorry to hear that you are struggling rn

A controlled asthmatic shouldn’t have to live with symptoms or frequent issues. You may need a med review as Troilus said, or you may need a short course of prednisolone to calm down the underlying issue. Needing more than 10 ventolin to resolve an issue usually suggests you need further help (if you have an action plan you can see the advice under asthma attack is seek help either at the time via OOH/urgent care/a&e, and to follow up with GP to regain control (again usually with pred).

If you don’t have an action plan or a peak flow meter you should request one (you can print a plan off the auk website here; asthma.org.uk/advice/manage.... It may also be an idea to give the AUK helpline nurses a call. They are great and can be reached on 0300 2225800 M-F 9-5.

[Daveyg1 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks also for this Emma, will get a visit to the nurse again. The last one was 9 months ago.