Pain in ribs on my back and peak flow is down

[Hpaddict]

Since last night, I have had pain in my ribs on my back where my chest is and I've checked my peak flow tonight and it's down from 350 to around 230. My ribs are also sore on my front as well.

I am unsure on whether this is my asthma trying to flare up or what. I can't talk to my doctor's as they don't seem to understand or believe me when I tell them I am not feeling well.

I did a covid-19 rapid test yesterday and it came back negative so I know its not that. I did have my first vaccination last Sunday.

For my asthma, I am on fostair 200/6); salbutamol (biggest dose you can) - 2 puffs as and when I need it; and also montelukast (20mg) at night.

Does anyone have any advice on what this might be or can advice me on what actions I should take next. I'm not ringing my doctor's tomorrow as they don't listen or believe me.

[Gareth57]

Is it the doctor or receptionist that does not listen to you? I would have thought if you rang with chest pains they would see you straight away, if you rang and said your peak flow was down by 40% they should see you.

[Tugun]

Can you go to another doctor? You need to get it checked.

[Poobah]

Phone 111 (if you're in the UK) & explain the big drop in your peak flow, how much Ventolin you're now taking every day and about the pain. They will probably advise you to see your GP the same day - they will note your computer records that you have to have an urgent GP appointment so you will get the appointment & treatment that you need for an asthma flare. When you then phone your GP surgery the receptionist will see the 111 referral and arrange for a same day appointment. If there's an asthma nurse at your GP surgery, make an appointment to see them in a couple of weeks. You need a review and an asthma plan. The plan will show when you need to seek help from your GP - so in future, you an say to the receptionist or the person blocking your appointment, that you're following your asthma plan.

Hope that helps.

[Itswonderful in reply to Poobah]

Good plan. I agree.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

It sounds like you need more help. Sore ribs can be a side effect of struggling and a PF of 65% suggests that.

If you really don’t get on with your GP/surgery then have you thought about changing surgery? Equally if you don’t get anywhere with your GP today you could try the OOH GP.

If you have an asthma plan, this is usually when emergency steroids are started.

The other thing I could suggest is giving AUK a call. They may be able to advise you how to approach your GP to get the best care. The nurses are great and can be reached on 0300 2225800 M-F 9-5.

Hope this helps and you get back under control before you get to the point where you need a&e.

Good luck and hope this helps

[Andria1980]

I have been having the same problem as you and also on the same inhaler as you. I spoke too my gp about this all they could say its covid symptoms which they seem too blame covid for everything these days I explained that I took a rapid test the day before was negative one month on stoll got the pain