Lynne

[Budd1ngart1st]

Hi,My name is Lynne and I am new to the Forum and to Asthma!

Looking back I have been breathless going up two flights of stairs at home for a while,but another respiratory virus in November left me with fatigue,cough and breathlessness.

My G.P started me on inhalers while waiting for a Spiro test.

In the meantime I consulted a Respiratory Professor,had a spirogram and test for nitric oxide levels,which confirmed Asthma.

The consultant changed my inhalers to Fostair 100/6 2 puffs twice a day and be used when needed too.

Today I have a dull ache in my upper back and around my ribcage??

Is this normal has anyone experienced this please?

Thank you,

Lynne.

[peege]

Hi, I woukd get a gp to have a quick listen to your lungs to be on the safe side in case an infection is brewing or an exacerbation. Does the feeling subside if you take an extra Fostair? Also, if you weren't given a spacer I'd get one to use with your inhaler, you'll get a better dose of it . P

[Budd1ngart1st in reply to peege]

Hi P,Thank you for your kind reply and advice.

The doctor did give me a spacer which I always use,much better with.L

[Poobah in reply to Budd1ngart1st]

I would see your GP to rule out any potential flare up or infection. The muscles around the rib cage and the back can be indicative of something brewing. We each have different signposts that alert us to increased asthma symptoms and over time we learn how to respond to those sign posts.

Ideally, you should have an asthma plan that sets out what action you can take in response to your worsening symptoms, including a dip in your peak flow. But it sounds like you haven't been prescribed a peak flow meter, a gadget that measures the speed of exhalation. The asthma plan is designed for you and your asthma experience by your doctor or asthma nurse, and will set out escalating steps, from increasing your inhalers, seeking treatment from your GP or 111 service to calling an ambulance.

If you want further reassurance before talking to your GP, you can chat through your concerns with one of the Asthma UK nurses on 0300 222 5800, Monday to Friday, office hours.

[Budd1ngart1st in reply to Poobah]

Hi,Thank you for your kind reply.

I have got a peak flow meter the G.P told me to buy one!!!

I think it's a flair up of my acid reflux,I have taken a tablet but now thinking should I have done without consulting G.P?

Do you find the asthma nurse more knowledgeable or G.P please?

Thanks,

Lynne.

[Poobah in reply to Budd1ngart1st]

By all means take your tablet to combat any reflux, at least you'll know if that's the root of the flare up of asthma symptoms and seek treatment if it doesn't do the trick.

In my experience, my asthma nurse is very good and I find my annual reviews with her very worthwhile and you can make an appointment to discuss things, especially as you're on a learning curve. The asthma nurse can monitor your progress with new medication and review it at appropriate stages, making adjustments or adding treatments.

However, I usually get a phone consultation with a GP or the practitioner nurse if I phone for a same day appointment for a flare up; the practitioner nurse will prescribe some meds and obtain a GP prescription, if necessary. Occasionally, after the telephone consultation, I will be asked to pop in later in the day just for an examination, if necessary.

When I phone, it will be first thing in the morning and I make clear to the receptionist that my asthma symptoms have flared up and that I may need additional treatment. Their response is always to arrange a same day call back.

If you're ever in a position where the GP surgery delay things, never hesitate in using the 111 service. If they think you need to see a doctor, they will secure an appointment message on your records, so that when you telephone the GP surgery, they will see that 111 have recommended an urgent appointment.

[Budd1ngart1st in reply to Poobah]

Thank you.I live 2 doors from my drs surgery,the hospital backs onto our garden,quite reassuring at the moment!

I will make an appointment tomorrow.

[Patk1 in reply to Budd1ngart1st]

Gerd,acid reflux,is common with various lung disease.yr dr may give u omeprazole,or similar,to take every day,as the acid can cause lung probs x

[Patk1]

Welcome to the forum.Have u tried using Yr salbutamol plus fostair ro see if it helps? Perhaps get asthma nurse at drs or gp to check it out xx

[Budd1ngart1st in reply to Patk1]

Thank you good advice.

[Mandevilla in reply to Patk1]

Good point - I get an upper back/chest ache regularly that goes with a puff of Ventolin.