Is upper resp different to lower resp please?

[Shezxx]

Hi I am poorly at the minute and wondered what the difference is in upper and lower respiratory illnesses. I know my own body and yes it may start off upper but then hits me like i have been run over and clings to my lower lungs but what do they mean. It will be a chest infection but i am scared to ask for any drugs as i dont want a certain doctor to see me. Just wondered if any of you have this? Even a nurse told me any chest illnesses will and can be more harmful if you have asthma or any chest problems. So is this doctor saying i am fine at the minute and this is just upper but i cannot even see coughing all day/night chesty, crackly i dont get it. if i get worse then what end up in hosptial again more time off work so i will be sacked. its just a pain nobody listens no more.

[Homely2 Administrator]

Upper respiratory infections are things like cold and flu and lower are things like pneumonia.

I do not like the phrase, just upper. As you say any respiratory infection can aggravate your asthma.

Personally I would ring the asthma UK helpline and chat it through with a nurse. I find them especially useful at helping me be clear about what I want from the GP. Take notes of what they say.

Re an unhelpful GP, I have this issue with one GP, who I avoid like the plague, just tell gp reception that you want to see someone else, ask who is good with asthma. With my gp practice this means I will see the asthma nurse, who is good, and can do her own prescriptions.

Re work, make sure you have told them in writing that you have asthma, and keep a copy at home of the letter or email. Asthma is a disability, so they have to treat you with care for matters relating to the asthma.

[Shezxx in reply to Homely2]

thank you for your reply much appreciated. x

[ReedB]

Hello,Homely has given great advice. I often have the upper resp infections but if they're not dealt with turn nasty and really aggrevate my asthma. I often get the 'chest is clear' from doctors too even if I'm coughing up phlegm. It's hard sometimes but getting to know yourself and also getting a doctor who will listen is best.

[Shezxx in reply to ReedB]

thanks for your reply i just wish they would understand how it is for us to breathe and be judged all the time. i get oh you dont wheeze well i do sometimes just not always everyone who has asthma has other things going on in their chests so it is never just clear as that but i do think oh well i will not bother its like we are lying or something and i dont need the stress of it all.

[ReedB in reply to Shezxx]

It is stressful and after a few difficult experiences with GP's it can be hard to find the support. Having had my fair share of both unhelpful GP's and consultants over the years my advice is to find another doctor if you can. There are some lovely ones out there who will listen and look at you're history. Xx

[Shezxx in reply to ReedB]

thanks

[peege]

I think there's no rule saying you have to see your allocated doctor so I'd definitely not be seeing an unhelpful one ever again. Check out your surgery's website, it usually shows which special interests each one has. For instance it could be pediatrics, skin, ears, respiratory or any other. I dont respect or like my allocated gp either and avoid him like the plague, I find him dismissive and patronising. Coughing all night & crackling don't sound right. Perhaps your asthma isn't controlled, I'm sorry I'm not a doctor so the sooner you see another one the better.

[Shezxx]

thanks for your reply, yes your right it isnt controlled as they give me something then when it clears up for that month takes it away again so i go mad theres this one doctor i cannot stand and wont go back to again. he ignores all my history with specialists etc..