Severe Asthma Tool

[ALUK_Nurses]

Are you struggling with uncontrolled symptoms? Unsure where to get support?

We’ve launched a campaign to help you work out what to do next. Our online asthma checker, which takes about five minutes to complete, can identify whether simply talking to your GP could help you manage your symptoms better, or whether you may need referring to a severe asthma specialist.

We started this piece of work long before COVID-19 hit but the pandemic and the shielding criteria has shown again how many people are falling through the cracks. Thousands of people are not being referred to specialist centres where they can get a formal severe asthma diagnosis or a chance to try one of the latest treatments. As a result, too many people are stuck on steroid tablets which, while essential and life-saving, can cause long-term side-effects like weight gain, hair loss and fragile bones.

To take our new online checker and find out what steps you could take to improve your symptoms, click here 👉 asthma.org.uk/advice/severe...

[madonbrew]

Thank you. This is helpful. I’m a bit frustrated because my hospital consultant has kind of discharged me to the asthma nurses...who are great, but I take Fostair 200/6 4 puffs a day

Spireva

Alvesco 180

Phylocontin

Amavys nasal spray

Montelukast

Ceterizine

My ventolin as and when...most days and nights

3 courses of pred in 4 months

Eosinophil count was 0.3, but has been 0.8 and 1.0 in previous years. But she won’t refer me to tertiary hospital or even see me herself. I’ve had two 11 day hospital stays where I’ve been blue lighted and sirend to the hospital from my surgery ( not this year) and fairly regularly end up at my surgery on nebs. I have a constant wheeze and can’t breathe half the time on all these meds 😢

Sorry for moaning! I’m just frustrated and feel she’s not taking me seriously. I have recently been referred to physio.

[madonbrew in reply to madonbrew]

I have Rituximab infusions for a rare autoimmune disease so maybe I can’t have two types of biologics together?

[ALUK_Nurses Partner Administrator ALUK Asthma Nurse in reply to madonbrew]

Hi madonbrew, yes this must be frustrating for you. Perhaps go through the tool with your GP or consultant and try to find out exactly why they will not refer you. If you want to ring the AUK helpline you are welcome 0300 2225800 M-F 930-430

[madonbrew in reply to ALUK_Nurses]

Thank you! I’ll see if I can have a chat with one of them about it all.😊