Asthma flare up!?

[elanaoali]

After recovering from chest infection , asthma flare up and asthma attacks. I still have a productive cough and have to sleep sitting up. My peak flow hasn't recovered yet and is 400/500. My asthma woke me up last night and my peak flow was 380/500. After 4 puffs of my salamol I was able to go back to sleep.

I got up this morning and my peak flow 350. The salamol had worn off by this point.

I did 4 puffs again but it made little difference to my peak flow.

380/500.

I did a few jobs at home this afternoon and was feeling tired so I sat down. My peak flow at 5pm was 350 and I did 4 puffs again. It hasn't made any difference.

I don't have a tight chest or wheezing but feel tired.

My asthma plan says that of I have a peak flow of 350 then use my salamol which I have.

I have had low peak flow before before an asthma flare up.

So I going to use more to see if it's going to increase my peak flow.

I did 4 more salamol and peak flow 400.

[Homely2 Administrator]

It is so hard at times.

All I can reply with is what you would tell me.

It takes time to recover from an asthma flare, so do not push it. I literally do ten minutes effort then sit down when my asthma is unhappy.

If your asthma will not get better you need to talk to your medic.

[elanaoali]

I did 8 more at 8pm last night as I started coughing and was finding it to even move off the sofa. Peak flow was 350 again. Decided to take my rescue steriods as I didn't want my asthma to go beyond a flare up to asthma attack. I went to bed and slept well apart from waking up with a cough but was able to go back to sleep.

Took my rescue steriods this morning and peak flow was 380 which is okay.

I am going to try and talk to my doctors today. See what they advise.

[Homely2 Administrator in reply to elanaoali]

Best of luck with it.

[elanaoali]

I have a telephone consultation with my GP this afternoon. Peak flow is still 380 after 4 puffs of salamol at 9am.

[Homely2 Administrator]

I sometimes ring the asthma UK helpline pre medic appointments, they often help me work out what I am asking for

[elanaoali]

I agree. I made a telephone consultation this afternoon but missed the doctor appointment. Ask for ring back but they rang my house phone and wasn't in. So talked to the receptionist and they advised me to make an appointment tomorrow.

I going to stand on their door step at 8am to get an appointment tomorrow.

I did 4 puffs at 1pm and then two puffs at 4pm. I am fine as long as I don't move as if I do I cough. Peak flow is 380/500. So the salamol is making so difference and stopping the cough.

[Jamesd1986]

Sorry to hear this. I have also been having a similar issue after having a nasty virus and cough a few weeks ago. I was able to get a phone call appointment with my asthma nurse who is very helpful. She explained to me that after a chest infection or virus it can still take up to 8 weeks for your chest to clear. This would explain why i'm feeling fine in the day time but waking up every night coughing up mucus / post nasal drip. I've upped all my medication and taking a steroid nasal spray, but it is still very bad at night. The sudden cold weather might not be helping either.... I have also found hot water honey and lemon drink , to help with these symptoms a bit though and also taking tumeric and black pepper suppliments which i bought to help with allergic inflamation in the summer (not actually sure if these are helping currently).... Keep pushing for an appointment and to speak with an asthma specialist. Personally, I have found them to be more helpful than a GP.

[elanaoali in reply to Jamesd1986]

I was up for review with respiratory at my hospital requested by my GP. This has all moved it forward rather than waiting for them to come back to GP. I have heard about the recovery time and will need to keep telling myself that. Easy part of convalescent is being at the end of your hospital stay.

I already use a steriod nasal spray. I do quite a physical and mentally tiring job. I work with children with special needs. No sitting down for me b

[Jamesd1986 in reply to elanaoali]

sorry to hear that and that I couldn’t suggest much to help. Hope you get seen soon and sounds like the salamol is helping your peak flow. I have been using a lot of the reliever myself lately and last night up a couple times needing relief. Might have to try out the wedge pillow