Is it dangerous to be wheezy?

[D0n49]

Sorry to bother you all again, but advice needed please!!!!

My Mum has been on her emergency pack since Monday night/Tuesday morning. The temperature and upset stomach have cleared and the cough finally seems to be easing off with less sputum, but her breathing has become extremely wheezy although her O2 levels are fine. She won’t call 111 as she wants to see her course of antibiotics through to the end - but I am wondering whether I should back a new pack of steroids given these were only for 5 days?

Guidance very much appreciated, but acknowledge we are not medical professionals! Thank you!!!

[Hidden]

I think it warrants a call to the out if hours doctor.

[D0n49 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Catgirl 😊

My Mum has been through an awful lot including botched hip replacements, a possible botched triple bypass resulting in a cardiac tapenade and lung drain, and lack of wound care of graft site requiring debridement. More recently she was hospitalised with COVID, which we suspect she contracted going for a chest x-ray, and has subsequently been diagnosed with COPD. Needless to say it’s a challenge to get her to seek medical care when she fears it may result in going into hospital 🥺

[peege in reply to D0n49]

Totally understand that, poor lady. XA call to 111 for a prescription for a better antibiotic methinks. The wheezing sounds not good after the covid. I cant remember if you said she has a blue rescue inhaler, these contain steroid so should help with the wheeze. P

[D0n49 in reply to peege]

Thanks peege! Just checked her sleeping and she doesn’t sound too bad, but might try and talk her round to calling 111 in the morning 😉

She wasn’t issued a blue inhaler. When she went for a lung function test they found it provided no additional benefit to the trelegy she had taken earlier that day. Still wish she had one though.

Praying a good nights sleep will help!

Thanks for your support as always 😊

[DJS6 in reply to peege]

Hi, I am just wondering, does the blue inhaler (salbutamol sulfate) contain steroids?? I didn't think it did....

[peege in reply to DJS6]

Yes it does. A small amount to inhale in to our lungs as a fast acting bronchial dilatory. It's our rescue inhaler for when we're short of breath, the airways can get inflamed. Some people have to use it first to open airways before using the daily preventer inhaler. If you have a read of the leaflet it will explain better than I.

Best used with a spacer then gargle with fresh water to rinse throat and mouth.

PS some preventer inhalers also contain some steroid

[Hidden]

You should discuss this with her doctor. Being wheezy is not unusual, but if her breathing deteriorates rapidly do call 111 or emergency.

Meantime take her inhaler medicines as prescribed. + the ventolin or salbutamol as prescribed and advised by her doctor /note on the prescription from the pharmacy.

[D0n49 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Bkin, always so helpful!

I just wasn’t sure whether it was dangerous to stop and start steroids, noting she has only been on them for 5 days?!

[Hidden in reply to D0n49]

You should not stop and start steroids without the doctors advice, they are a not a medicine to mess with and should be taken as prescribed only as all medicines really.

[Bevvy in reply to D0n49]

Most rescue packs steroid treatment is around 5 days so that is perfectly normal. Because she is still unwell and wheezing really need a doctor on board to look at another course of steroids and/or change in antibiotics. It is not uncommon when I am very unwell for me to require more than one course of steroids.Because you are so new to all this you should have been advised to contact gp when starting rescue pack so that they are made aware and can advise accordingly.

It is poor that gp not given sufficient information re rescue packs. Many GPs will not prescribe them. Instead wanting patients to contact sure when unwell. You certainly shouldn’t be prescribed without copious instructions on their use.

[D0n49 in reply to Bevvy]

Thanks Bevvy! We only have the pack because I requested one at the beginning of lock for my Dad as he has COPD too. At the time Mum was not considered high risk, even given all of her ailments, having not/not yet been diagnosed with COPD too. We now have packs for both but still have never received instructions on how to use them.

When I contacted the surgery last Monday looking for medical advice , the Receptionist said she would pass the details to the GP, and asked what number I would be best to speak on, I said my home line. Three hours later a text was sent to my Dad’s mobile saying a new emergency pack prescription had been sent to the pharmacist, and to start taking the current one, and that was it!

Opened the replacement emergency pack today after calling the Pharmacist for advice, they said my Mum was not prescribed another course of steroids, sure enough when I opened the bag none were in there!

Now waiting for a callback from 111!

[Bevvy in reply to D0n49]

Err ok… if I am reading correctly then your mum was not given a rescue pack but rather your dad was?? However you have used this to treat your mum? This could be quite risky because just because she has same condition as your dad doesn’t mean can be treated the same way.I DO think you need to speak to gp as a matter of urgency on Monday. The fact that gp trying to contact via your dad suggests that gp is confused about who patient actually is. This in itself is worrying.

IF I am reading situation correctly as outlined above I think you may need to apologise and grovel a bit to gp. They may well not be happy about using medications for mum and not dad who they prescribed for. Try to speak to an understanding gp at the practice.

I still think deplorable that no information given as to when/how to use rescue pack.

Many doctors will not prescribe rescue packs because patients can leave too long before asking for medical intervention. Especially when newly diagnosed like your mum. I can have good oxygen levels but still be extremely unwell. Therefore have advice on when to seek emergency help.

Most people on here who have rescue packs have clear instructions that to be used when can’t get to see gp eg weekend but then must contact surgery for gp appointment to say using them….

Sorry if you feel my response is a bit harsh but like I say 2 people can have same condition on paper but be treated and need medications very differently.

[D0n49 in reply to Bevvy]

Hi Bevvy, not harsh at all! I need professional medical advice, I know that, but I am struggling to get it from our GP. And given it’s the weekend when they are closed was just wondering as a general rule what others did when utilising their emergency packs.

Mum and Dad have separate emergency packs but they both contain the same; amoxicillin and prednisolone. The surgery knew the query was with regards to my Mum as prior to phoning the surgery last Monday I had emailed on the weekend requesting guidance on use of the emergency pack. My Mum doesn’t own a mobile, but they insist on having a mobile contact so they use my Dad’s.

Managed to speak to a Doctor on 111 and they agreed my Mum should take my Dad’s steroids tomorrow to bridge the gap until she can be seen by a GP in person on Monday with a view to being examined/prescribed stronger antibiotics. Now just the challenge of getting an appointment on Monday 🤞🏻

Thanks for the support, struggling to know what to do for the best!

[D0n49]

Thanks Bkin, that’s my worry - it’s just a shame the steroid prescription is not issued for the same duration as the antibiotics! But I know steroids have really helped the wheeziness in the past, so just a bit reluctant to stop them in case she does need more antibiotics to clear this chest infection properly!

Appreciate you always taking the time to advise, thank you!!

[Hidden in reply to D0n49]

All here can only suggest things to you, its really a medical professional's advice you should only act on. Calling 111 may be able to advise more appropriately out of hours or her doctor whoever you can make contact with sooner.

[D0n49]

Cheers Bkin! Will see how’s she is feeling in the morning and try and talk her round!

How can I put this politely, do steroids change anyone else’s mood?!? 😉

[MoyB in reply to D0n49]

In my own experience, steroids can make my hyper, manic, sleepless, tearful, ratty, miserable or downright depressed- not all at the same time, though, thank goodness! Does that help? xx Moy

[D0n49 in reply to MoyB]

That’s hard going, sorry to hear they impact you in a negative way too, but makes complete sense!

Please take care Moy xx

[ninelives in reply to D0n49]

Absolutely they can.I have been on oral steroids for 17 years.

It's a fine balance between the benefits of this drug and the side effects.

Please follow your doctor's advice -its not a drug to alter without medical input.

In my case I need to take longer weaning back to maintenance dose after an excerbation .Yes can alter mood my family have the patience of Job !

[D0n49 in reply to ninelives]

Brilliant advice ninelives, thank you so much!

Luckily I managed to convince her we just need to check whether to back the steroids for an extra day until we can call the GP Monday. Tried the Pharmacy, who could not advise, so just waiting for a call back from 111 🤞🏻

[grettal]

Hi yes sorry to hear about what your mums going through.The best thing for you to do is contact your doctor let them know you've started rescue pack .They will prescribe you new ones straight away. God bless 🙏

[D0n49 in reply to grettal]

Yes, that’s what I thought too grettal, thank you 😊 Just didn’t know whether people knew to back their own emergency packs where they see no improvement.

Waiting for 111 to ring back, then just the challenge of getting a Doctors appointment come Monday - Mission Impossible!

Please take care, and God bless you too 🙏🏻

[Patk1 in reply to D0n49]

Insist to receptionist on emergency appointment on Monday xx

[D0n49 in reply to Patk1]

Thanks Patk1. They do not seem to recognise the concept of “High Risk” or “Emergency” at our Doctos surgery unfortunately 😔

[MoyB in reply to D0n49]

Try 'breathing difficulties' - that seems to push buttons at ours. xx Moy

[D0n49 in reply to MoyB]

Ok, great idea 💡 Thank you 😉

[Dizzart]

I’m so glad to see you have had such helpful replies as I was so appalled by the way your mum has been treated by the medical practices I was stuck for words so I do hope you and your mum are ok and you called 111 . There is no need worry that you will be forced against your will to go in to a hospital as just the fact the paramedics are called is enough to kick incompetent medics into action, and I can absolutely see why your mum doesn’t want any further bad treatment and to be hospitalised. I’m reaching the age where I feel it’s safer at home but I can say the paramedics were marvellous and it certainly made my gp. burst into action but even then I’m so thankful for what I’ve learned from here . So many caring and well informed people. XX 😊👍🏻

[D0n49]

Thanks for the kind words Dizzart!

My Mum has certainly been to hell and back, she is my hero and my world (and my Dad!). Just waiting for things to calm down with the COVID infection rate before I start looking for a new GP for them both.

People on this forum give me hope that COPD is manageable, and I am so grateful so many kind people take the time to advise!!!

Hope you are keeping safe and well xx

[Patk1 in reply to D0n49]

How's mum today? X

[D0n49 in reply to Patk1]

Hi Patk1! She’s still barking like a dog, but it’s not producing cough like it was. The wheezing has settled, but she is extremely breathless and her nose is blocked. The trouble is the steroids give her a false sense of energy, so it’s hard to get her to rest! Hoping to get an in person GP appointment tomorrow for some stronger antibiotics to clear this up fully!

Thank you so much for asking, that me means a lot 😊 How are you doing today? x

[Patk1 in reply to D0n49]

I'm glad shes improving.insist on appointment today.perhaps antibiotics r starting to work.ask gp how long to stay on steroids.i find teaspoon clear honey,or car going can help with cough.do persevere using salbutamol inhaler/nebuliser to relax + widen airways.yr doing great helping mum xxx

[D0n49 in reply to Patk1]

Morning Patk1! Happy Monday! Thank you for your help 😊

Up and ready to start repeat calling at 8.30, and hopefully with her negative COVID test I can get an in person appointment today for her 🤞🏻

Does clear honey work best? I bought rather expensive manuka honey but I am not sure she is a fan! What is the other tip please, car going?

She does not have salbutamol, going to ask the Doctor to prescribe an inhaler. Thanks for the help, will look into getting a nebuliser!

[Lfcpremier]

Do you have an oximeter at home? Cheap to buy & very useful for measuring Oxygen level at home. If the number falls below 93 I think( but check that) you need medical intervention .Sorry,just read your account properly. Horrific time your Mum has had, no wonder she fears hospital.Maybe they could issue oxygen for use at home. If it’s bad &you call 999 paramedics would come out & check her over. They can only advise hospital so she can refuse, but at least it might give you some peace of mind.

It really is appalling in the Uk being ill at the weekend, nowhere to turn.

Best of luck!

Linda

[D0n49 in reply to Lfcpremier]

Hi Linda! Thank you for your message!

Yes thank you, we have an oximeter at home and surprisingly her readings have been 95 and above. That’s why I was unsure whether the wheeziness in itself is considered dangerous?

Hopefully we can get her seen by the GP in person tomorrow as 111 advised, just got results back of a COVID postal test and they were negative! It’s just so worrying with the new variants, although she’ll have natural immunity in addition to being double jabbed, the symptoms are very different to the Kent variant I think we had in December, and last time I was naive to think she just had the flu - it’s a mistake I won’t make again!

Hope you are keeping safe and well 😊

[purdeyspringer]

The only person to help you with this is your doctor, or respiratory nurse. hope she feels better real soon.

[D0n49 in reply to purdeyspringer]

Thank you taking the time to message! Saw a Doctor today, not our GP so was not able to discuss a proper care plan, but at least we have managed to get her a stronger course of antibiotics 👍🏻