Asthma Flare Up Advice

[Allbranuser]

**Moderator note: to those replying, please avoid giving medical advice or suggesting specific treatments, whether they're prescribed, over the counter, or alternative medication. Please also be aware that even apparently harmless home remedies such as steam inhalation can be an asthma trigger for some people and use caution about recommending these**

Hi

Diagnosed 10 years ago late onset asthma. Currently on Fostair 100/6. 3puff twice a day MART.

Caught what I later found out was Whooping Cough (WC) August 24 immediately before WC diagnosis was treated for Asthma flare up.( ab’s and pred)

Especially since WC I have not been as will controlled and yesterday had to seek an out of hours Dr for another flare up. Amoxicillin 500mg x3 for 7 days and 6x5mg Prednisolone for 7 days.

Would be interested in the thoughts of other members as to the best way to seek better control?

Thanks

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

If you're finding it hard to control your asthma and you keep needing courses of oral steroids, then you should be referred to a specialist. Meanwhile, I would make an appointment with your GP or asthma nurse to discuss this and immediate treatment. They may be able to look at other preventer options even if you are referred, as that can take a while.

Did they say why they only gave you 30mg of prednisolone a day this time? The guidance from the British National Formulary is that 40-50mg is standard for an adult with an asthma flare. Obviously pred does have side effects, but that needs to be balanced against treating the asthma, and the possibility that too low a dose will result in needing more courses and more exposure overall.

As well as making that GP/asthma nurse appointment, I would call the helpline on 0300 2225800 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, message on WhatsApp [phone] or email at [e-mail]

They have the time and expertise to chat through your situation and make some suggestions to take to your GP or asthma nurse.

[Allbranuser in reply to Lysistrata]

Thank you. Out of hours Dr (nice man) 30mg per day for 7 days.

Previous episode same dose for 5 days and remember still not right but would not prescribe more steroid. At least this time 7 days. It is difficult as a patient to challenge especially out of hours GP who have never met and need their help. Thank you for the referral tip, that will be my next challenge.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Allbranuser]

Ah yes it is difficult, even when you know it's incorrect! I thought I should bring it up though as not everyone is aware that it's typically 40mg and I wasn't sure if you knew.

Some doctors although very good in other ways can definitely have particular things they will not budge on, which may not be necessarily correct. And I also find it hard to argue especially when feeling ill.

Good luck with your GP/asthma nurse! Hopefully the helpline nurses can give you some tips on the best way to approach them.

[Itswonderful in reply to Lysistrata]

I recently had the conversation about whether it's 30 mg or 40 mg prednisolone for an asthma flare up and I was told by GP that it's definitely 30. The pharmacist has written to my consultant asking for clarification. I think my notes have been updated t30 to 40 mgs as a result but I will know for certain when I have to have another prescription which I hope will not be needed for a while.

[Allbranuser in reply to Itswonderful]

Thankyou, seems to be alot of confusion.

[Itswonderful in reply to Allbranuser]

Most definitely.

[Mandevilla]

Do go back to the GP if it doesn't seem to be getting back under control quickly - you may need to up medication for a while until things really settle down. I find that once my lungs have flared up, they are hyper-sensitive for a while and react even to things that wouldn't normally be an issue until things have calmed down again.

As for what else you can do, it really is a case of knowing your triggers and working out what helps and what hinders, because what works for one person will make another person worse. For example, I know some people find the hot steam from a shower helps, but for me, it's one of the worst things possible - I need a dehumidifier when I'm struggling because my lungs can't cope with the slightest suspicion of damp in the air when they're acting up.

Personally, if I come across a recommendation for something that I have not tried in the past, I wait until I am feeling ok to try it, because I don't want to risk making myself even worse during a flareup. E.g. I find camomile tea beneficial (it's an anti-inflammatory and mild sedative), but I already drank camomile tea before, so I knew it wasn't an issue for me. But I know other people who are allergic to it, so it definitely wouldn't be helpful for them!

Don't underestimate how tiring dealing with a flareup can be - lots of rest and sleep and try not to push yourself too hard.

[Allbranuser in reply to Mandevilla]

Thank you, triggers are pollen, cold air, catching a cold ( this event) pet dander. I did not know but lungs being sensitive after flare up.