Medication doesn't seem to be working.

[cornflake57]

Hello, I attended the respiratory clinic due to a chronic cough. The doctor immediately said it is asthma, and prescribed 10 days of steroids 30mg, and a combination inhaler. There has been no improvement in my symptoms since starting the medication 7 days ago. Am I expecting an improvement to early, and that the medication will take longer to have an effect? Or does something else need to be added?

[Armadillo57]

Morning I would go back to your Gp it’s better than worrying. I’m use to the constant coughing but if it lingers without improvement they need to know. Hope it soon resolves.

[Roessner541]

Do you take bp medication they had me on one that made me cough

[Hidden]

Hi..

Did you have tests? How did he say immediately it was asthma?

If you are not better you go back until you are.

Wishing you well.

[Hidden]

If it is asthma, try to find out what your triggers are. Things that start me off - some air fresheners, tree pollen, smoke etc. Inhalers will open your air passages but don’t get rid of whatever started you off. Keep a diary?

[tomc]

I find it extraordinary that your GP can say Asthma Just by looking at you

Could you possibly ask him for next weeks lottery numbers?

You need to be properly diagnosed through spirometry.

Insist on the best, diagnosis and treatment.

[Tugun]

Hi,

There definitely should have been some movement in your symptoms - particularly on 30 mg of steroids and the combination inhaler. Most asthmatics have pulmonary function tests to measure how well their lungs work. These tests measure lung size and air flow, such as spirometry and lung volume tests. After the initial tests you are given salbutamol (Ventolin) and then given the tests again to see if Ventolin improves your lung function. Further investigation of your cough, and medication for it, would be beneficial.