Another newbie that is a little scared at this new situation.

Okay to start, in January I fell for a college friend who I found had Asthma to be precise Non-Allergenic Brittle Asthma, I also found her flat had no heating all together I pulled her out of there but little did we know that she had already caught pneumonia. after now three major attacks one of which resulted in a stay in the local hospital via resus. I have foud it a little stressful of course I am learning the subtle warning signs, so I can poke her to remind her of the inhailer, but I have found the waiting the worst part it is not a case of if the next one comes but when and how bad will it be. I would like to know how every one else deals with this because every cough she has puts me on tenter hooks I try to keep my cool but all those who know me can see that I am worried and alert as I have seen her strength rapidly fades as an attack goes on.

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Hello

Has she got an Asthma Action plan/protocol ? This basically states when to increase/decrease medications and of course go into hospital based on symptoms she is experiencing and peak flow readings it is usually drawn up by the GP/Asthma nurse or the hospital if they are managing your asthma. When an asthma attack begins it is essential (even more so if the person is brittle due to the rapid onset/deterioration that is typical of this type of asthma) to seek medical attention so that the attack can be reversed more quickly and adequately.

Asthma UK recommends:

The following guidelines are suitable for both children and adults and are the recommended steps to follow in an asthma attack:

Take your reliever inhaler (usually blue), immediately

Sit down and ensure that any tight clothing is loosened. Do not lie down

If no immediate improvement during an attack, continue to take one puff of your reliever inhaler every minute for five minutes or until symptoms improve

If your symptoms do not improve in five minutes – or you are in doubt – call 999 or a doctor urgently

Continue to take one puff of your reliever inhaler every minute until help arrives

4 of the most common symptoms are; coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath,tightness in the chest. An appearance or increase of these would be indicative of an episode in progress.

Hope this helps somewhat and that your friend's asthma becomes better controlled.

Simi.

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Thanx Simi she has a protocol booklet and I have read it and have memorised the guidelines for an attack, I'm often the one reminding her to take her reliever, but honestly I'm fine during the attack as I can break it down into a step by step what to do. My main problem is how to deal with the stress and fear I have whenever she coughs as it can deteriorate rapidly.