Sorry. Just been discharged (yay). Respiratory consultant said that basically all asthmatics wheeze and that I probably didn't have an asthma attack (although I do wheeze??? I was wheezing when I had the attack...)
He also said not to call 999 straight away if 10 puffs of Ventolin doesn't work and I'm in red? Is this okay?
I feel like he doesn't believe me as I have mental health issues because apparently you shouldn't have asthma attacks on oral steroids.
Ugh I need to never go near your hospital! I'm constantly on steroids and have issues as do many people.
Glad you've been discharged! I hope you feel ready for it however with this consultant making the decisions...
Just 🤦🤦🤦at the cons. No wonder I'm cynical when resp cons come out with this stuff (and it isn't the first time I've heard it either). Some resp cons have a scarily poor knowledge of asthma, especially if their focus is on other areas. (Though I've also been told by an asthma specialist not to get medical help, even below A and E level, unless my peak flow is under 50% best - whatever else is going on eg can't complete sentences in one breath at rest, too breathless to eat etc)
It's entirely possible to have asthma and not wheeze. It's entirely possible to have an asthma ATTACK and not wheeze.
The advice about not getting help if 10 puffs don't work and you're in red is terrible advice which no one should be following (and it contradicts what Asthma UK advises, so this isn't just me as a lay person disagreeing with the resp cons). That's the kind of advice that drives some of the UK's poor asthma outcomes.
While oral steroids should be helping, it's also definitely possible to have an attack on them. There are plenty of people on here who can attest to that (I'd say I am one of them but then oral steroids don't really help my asthma, so not sure how relevant that is...on the other hand I have still had attacks on them in the past so yes it can happen).
He may well be one of those people who thinks it is impossible to have any kind of genuine physical problem alongside MH problems (eg 'oh you have anxiety! It can't be asthma! Even though an asthma attack for many people might well make anxiety worse!')
His understanding of asthma doesn't seem to be great and he seems to deal in absolutes which IMO is never a good quality in a doctor - real life isn't that neat.
However, I don't have a history of MH problems and I have still heard this stuff he said from some drs, so it may not be related. (I've even had a team led by a cons like this just make up a history of anxiety and put it in the discharge letter to 'explain' their decision).
I'm sorry you ended up in hospital and even more sorry you have a respiratory consultant who isn't communicating clearly about the dangers of asthma.
There are times I want to put a plastic bag over someone's head, with just a tiny hole through which to breath, then get them to go about their daily tasks and when they start to panic tell them "sorry, it's all in your head, of course you can breath, pull yourself together". Sorry, that's my frustration showing, again. I've actually asked a couple of people if they'd be willing to do my plastic bag experience for a day but they always decline. But it shuts them up for a while.
Back to your respiratory consultant. I wouldn't dream of suggesting he don a plastic bag, but it'll be interesting to see what your discharge letter says and whether it reflects what he said to you. Between talking to you and writing that letter I wouldn't be surprised if there was no mention of not calling an ambulance when your peak flow is in the red - that doesn't look good in writing.
Personally, I would make an appointment to see my asthma nurse to update my asthma plan, just to get reassurance what action to take and when while you are experiencing a flare up or more acute attack. It's very important to be clear on these things. And it will give you a chance to explain that you feel it's not down to your MH. At the end of the day, your asthma doctor isn't a MH specialist.
In the meantime, you may want to talk to one of the Asthma UK nurses about your experience and your concerns. It's good to get reassurance that you did the right thing in seeking emergency treatment. 0300 222 5800 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
All the best and take care.
I have same advice about 10 puffs. I typically look for other symptoms before going to A&E. Such as mucus, fever, shortness of breath, struggling to breather, getting tired from breathing, or breathing is laboured. I do tend to get a lot of chest infections and I can differentiate asthma emergency from an infection.
Confused re peak flow
Tight chest, confusing Asthma like symptoms
Consultant doesn't believe my diagnosis 
Asthma attack or panic attacks. 
Peak Flow doesn't always drop despite being symptomatic. 
