Seeking help

[Filobabe]

My asthma has been very unsettled this past few days. Usually fairly well controlled on Fostair, Qvar and Tiotropium. However, woken up wheezy/coughing last 4 nights, and had a few attacks during the daytime. Increased inhalers as per plan, and using spacer for salbutamol but want some advice on what to do over the bank holiday weekend. Been a couple of times I thought about calling for help as Salbutamol only working for short periods. Really want to avoid ED if possible. Any advice gratefully received 😊

[four4]

In my opinion I advise u to seek medical help before the holiday, either calling a GP or access to a pharmacy. In your situations u may need to step up ur medical treatment to achieve a better asthma control. Possibly it could be increase in the inhaled steroid dose, adding singulair or theophylline, or a short course of oral steroids, depends on the assessment of the doctor.

If holiday comes and ur symptoms not improved, u will still need to visit ER in the end. I believe it is better for u to act now.

[Bevvy]

If rescue medications are not working and you are struggling then ultimately you need to seek medical advice. Really only option is to call 111 and see what they say. Limited resources open today due to bank holiday so don’t see an alternative.

[Poobah]

If your asthma plan hasn't addressed the increased symptoms then definitely call 111 service and if they believe you require a prescription of Prednisolone and/or antibiotics then you will be referred to the on duty doctor for your area today. That's better than a trip to A&E in my book. Or they may ask you to make an appointment with your GP first thing Tuesday morning and your digital records will be noted that you require a same day appointment at your GP surgery.

But never hesitate to call 999 if your symptoms are not responding to the 10 quick doses of rescue inhaler, per the asthma plan.

[Mommyofboys91]

in my opinion if you've thought about calling for help and the salbutamol is only providing temporary relief you need to be seen. That is what my sons specialist told me to do

[Filobabe]

Thanks everyone. I have been seen by the out of hours doctor. Reluctantly given steroids just in case as I wasnt wheezing when seen. That's because I had just had salbutamol before attending.

[Lbal]

I can't offer inhaler advice only that the past two days my allergies have been horrendous, wheezing, sneezing, blocked nose and use of inhaler more frequently. I hope you are OK.