how do I get myself referee to an asthma specialist

[Pinkyboo28]

currently only liasing with asthma nurse at gp but I feel it’s beyond severe at this point and it’s taking over my life

[Bevvy]

Your gp is the gatekeeper for secondary services so you need to discuss your situation with them.

[Pinkyboo28 in reply to Bevvy]

Thanks I thought so I think they’ll be reluctant though but I will try I have asthma review soon

[Bingo88 in reply to Pinkyboo28]

I know what it's like trying to get doctors to understand how much your health problems are affecting your daily life. I think you need to insist on being referred for further investigation and treatment. In the meantime try asking your Pharmacy for any products or help they can give. I am presently using a wedge pillow under my existing pillow to lift my head and chest area up overnight and it's helping me with my regular morning cough and mucus. Brian

[Pinkyboo28 in reply to Bingo88]

Thanks Brian, it really is affecting my day to day and taking over my life it never has been this severe and at this point I think I need a nebuliser at home which I know they will also be reluctant to help with. This is the third time on steroid tablets in the last 3 months and I am so exhausted with the suffering of the symptoms and side effects of medication. I will def try to push for more secondary care thanks

[Bingo88 in reply to Pinkyboo28]

Try and find out if you have a Respiratory clinic in your area. Because I found that a general nurse sadly didn't know much about lung conditions and were really not much help. But I asked to be referred to the local Respiratory clinic and they were brilliant because they Specialise in lung conditions every day. Good luck. Brian

[GintyFerguson]

Have a chat with the helpline? They might be able to advise how best to get referred but your GP will be the person to refer. Hope you can see a consultant soon.

[Pinkyboo28 in reply to GintyFerguson]

Thanks that’s a good idea

[Patk1 in reply to GintyFerguson]

0300 222 5800

[peege]

In UK a GP has to refer us to a consultant, the alternative is to go private

[runcyclexcski]

Go to A&E with every exacerbation and ask them for prednisolone prescritpion. This track record will make the GP write the referral, but of course you have to ask. I got referrals both for the NHS and (when I did not get what I wanted) for the private option. The private option allowed me to see the doctor much faster and get on a biological. The cost per private visit was about 250 quid which in the grand scheme of things was negligible compared to being disabled by asthma.

[Pinkyboo28 in reply to runcyclexcski]

I didn’t think of this that’s a really good idea I usually just contact my gp with each exacerbation and recently had to call ambulance cos of severe asthma attack which led to me taken to hospital but I will also ask my asthma nurse for referral see if they can get it done thanks for that

[runcyclexcski in reply to Pinkyboo28]

If you have been to the hospital with multiple exacerbations, the GP should not refuse you the referral -- private or to the NHS. If they do, you need to persist and be your own advocate (e.g. change the GP).

Writing the letter probably takes them 30-60 min, it's a hassle, so they won't do it voluntarily. But they have to write it if you ask.

[Homely2 Administrator]

Ask your GP for a specialist referral. If you have been on oral steroids, three times in three months, that is plenty enough of a reason for a referral.

If you want help on phrasing the request ring asthma UK on 0300 2225800, office hours. If the GP refuses, ask why, and then go back to asthma UK for advice

I was referred to a specialist, simply because my GP asthma nurse, said my asthma was not standard, and so she needed outside advice.

My present specialist hates the use of prednisone and if he cannot get me from needing it, would refer me on to tertiary. Luckily he has mainly succeeded, but it took him a year and a half.

[Pinkyboo28 in reply to Homely2]

They want me to try montelukast and if that doesn’t agree with me asthma nurses said she will look into referring. Tbh they should just do the referral now as it’s quite severe. Thanks for the number and for the info

[Patk1 in reply to Pinkyboo28]

Montelukast was a game changer for my young grandsons asthma.i take it too - has she given u a prescription? If not,I'd ring + get it,worth trying.also,take measures to reduce risk of viral infections which are a trigger for asthma and lung infections

[Pinkyboo28 in reply to Patk1]

She said this would be the next step before referring me to the respiratory clinic for secondary care. So I think she will put me on this. I just hope I don’t get side effects I react badly to all tablets don’t know why and I’ve heard they have terrible side effects although a lot of people on here have had no side effects so fingers crossed

[DollyDutchGirl in reply to Pinkyboo28]

Do you also have Carbocisteine?? That is very helpful if you suffer from thick mucus and, trying to move it….🥴. I saw a consultant for over three years before they were able to get my asthma anywhere being under control.

[Pinkyboo28 in reply to DollyDutchGirl]

No I don’t have this, is it tablets?

[DollyDutchGirl in reply to Pinkyboo28]

it is capsules PinkyBoo28 - I take two capsules 3 times a day and they were the final piece of the asthma jigsaw for me. I also use Fostair 200/6 as MART, two puffs am and pm and, up to another 4 puffs throughout the day, Fexofenadine in the morning, Omeprazole and Montalukast. The above helps me with my asthma - however, it may not work for everyone. The best thing is talk about it all to your GP/asthma nurse and see what they have to say. The Fostair 200/6 is an ‘off piste’ use - but my consultant and GP agreed upon it for me.

[fallon12]

Hi, If you have severe asthma you should automatically be referred to a specialist. Count how many hospital visits you have had in the last year and how many times have you had to increase prednisone and have antibiotics . When you have the info please notify your doctor and tell them you need to be referred. Don’t be put off if you feel you need more expert advice and help then unfortunately depending where you live you may have to fight for it. Good luck.

[Pipsqueak77 in reply to fallon12]

Hi All

Only tertiary centres can make a confirmed diagnosis of severe asthma.

Primary and secondary care have set protocols and asthma regimes that they have to follow before making referrals.

So I’m afraid that you might have to hang in there and try other add in meds for a certain period of time before any referral.

You never know they might work well for you, without any side effects!

Good Luck 😊🤞