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