Further Update: Multiple Chest Infections

[B_Asthma]

A few people have asked for an update when I get it.

Last week I had several blood tests and a sputum sample. Yesterday, my GP asked me to come into the office because I was relapsing after going off of the prednisone for the third time in about 3 weeks and he listened to my chest. He stated I was still wheezy and is giving me another 5 day course of prednisone. I asked if I could have longer and he stated, that is all he can prescribe without specialist advice.

He also stated, my sputum show an infection but nothing specific, blood test shows elevated white count with nothing specific. Inflamation marker were normal. However BNP and U&E were still out.

He also said, I should begin monitoring my O2 levels and if my O2 is 92% or after a few samples then I need to call or go into A&E for an evaluation since I may need oxygen.

Finally, he is referring me urgently to the chest clinic since I should not be getting so many infections, it is not typical for asthma to respond this way, and I am at the limit of what they can prescribe for inhalers. I told the GP the only thing that seems to work is the steroids since it settles everything and unless there is a more specific steroid inhaler that addresses my issue then I felt that I did not need a stronger inhaler.

I will need to have another chest x-ray in December and once I have the BNP back I will have a better idea of what is happening.

[HungryHufflepuff]

I hope you get some answers and explanations soon. And hopefully some effective treatment 🤞

[B_Asthma in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

thank you.

[sassy59]

Wishing you better days ahead. Xxx

[B_Asthma in reply to sassy59]

thank you

[Patk1]

Get on yr steroids and book an appointment fo day 4/5 to get dr to relisten to chest ass u may need a longer coursse to settle it.ask what it said about infechon.white cells rise in response to infection and/ or inflammation.if dr wont give details re sample,assk receptionist for copy of it and xray report x

[knitter]

I have been in a similar situation.

Things that have helped me .....more fruit and veg in my diet , I did use a juicer, the sort that uses all the fruit not just the juice, for a time .

A multivitamin and mineral tablet .

Gentle graded exercise , the BLF can help as can your health professional.

Mindfulness meditation .

Finding the inhalers that helped and ones that didn’t through trial and error.

Checking sputum colour, being aware when things are changing early and getting help early.

Best wishes and take care.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hope things start to improve for you soon. Have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxx

[B_Asthma]

thank you for your kind words

[Hidden]

Hope things work out well for you B_Asthma, so glad you have been referred back to the Chest clinic urgently. I hope you don't have to wait too long and thanks for updating us.

Best wishes BK

[Alberta56]

it sounds as if you need that appointment, the sooner the better. A specialist should be better able to help you than your GP. Best wishes for a speedy resolution .xx

[Kimlu]

Hope you get it sorted soon, I feel the same at the moment just want some answers and a long-term plan. Keep safe and look after yourself x

[Hidden]

Is it this time of the year... muggy weather.... I'm in a similar but less dramatic predicament. I asked my GP to give me prednisolone to tail off slowly after the five days as I didn't feel confident coming straight off as the chest tightness had not completely cleared. So that's what I'm in the process of doing now as well as antibiotics. Cross fingers I think i am beginning to feel better, but touching wood.

[bevanboy]

I wish you well, I have COPD and use an Oxygen consentrator, I suffered with constant chest infections at least 7 a year, my consultant last February placed me on anit biotic 1 tablet 3 times a week every Mon Wed and Fri I can honestly say that I have had no chest infections since January, absolutely amazing my anti biotic is Azithromycin 250mg its the best treatment I have ever been prescribed, I am so grateful, ask your consultant whether he or she will consider the same for you, I do not need to take Steroids anymore I feel well no more nagging cough best wishes Bevanboy

[Dedalus]

Good your GP has referred you to chest clinic, which will hopefully be able to pinpoint any problems and get them treated.

[helenlw7]

Sorry to hear how bad you feel. I have asthma and bronchiecstasis and had many chest infections every year. A few years ago I was put an an antibiotic, azithromycin, three times a week and since then I’ve hardly had any infections. Incidentally, my asthma consultant told me that research has shown that this antibiotic can help asthma sufferers so I’m not on 500mg three times a week.

[Ergendl]

Hope you get that referral through soon.