When to seek additional help.

I've just had another asthma attack. I haven't been well recently (since before Christmas) with virus', chest infections (had two bouts of antibiotics and steroids). My question is during an asthma attack, when is necessary to seek help? I always think of asthma attacks, the ones that require medical help, as not being able to breathe at all. I had continual coughing and difficulty breathing but I could still talking in short bursts. I felt quite dizzy and out of it (still do!) during and I experienced stinging and general pain in my chest. My chest felt heavy and tight but no wheezing. I also had pain in my head and arm.

I don't like to waste peoples time, especially when, like during this attack, I had a minutes respite (slight calming in symptoms) at times. I feel so drained now though.

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hi

are you still having the attack or has it now gone, if you are i would advise you to call 999. You are not wasting peoples time if you are ill and they certainly won't frown upon you for calling them especially people with our condition. I have been told off more than once by doctors by not calling for an ambulance when i needed it!!

I have heard stories that would make your hair curl over calling an ambulance, like i want somone to turn the channel on the tv over etc, the list is endless....

hope you feel better pm me if you wish i can give you names of good books to read from this

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hi

just had this experience my self, dont like to make a fuss but i couldnt breathe very well and didnt know weather to go to a&e as didnt want to waste there time, so made it throw the very long night and went to docs in the morning, who put me on anti bios for throat infection. At the time felt really scared because i didnt know what was happening to me, used my blue inhaler 6 times which made my heart race, felt sick and head ache and just felt really ill, just been diagnosed so still learning about it all, feel really low at moment and dont know why, i want to return to my gym and feel good again but just cant do it at the moment best wishes xx

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Hello Mrs Ward,

Hope you are feeling better, I have bumped up a post from Cathbear 'General forum: Gentle Reminder: Requesting urgent medical advice' which may help on terms of what help to get when. In terms of when that should be have a look at Asthma UK guidance here asthma.org.uk/all_about_ast...

""You're having an asthma attack if any of the following happens:

Your reliever inhaler does not help.

Your symptoms are getting worse (cough, breathlessness, wheeze or tight chest).

You are too breathless to speak, eat or sleep.

Do not be afraid of causing a fuss, even at night. If you go to A&E (accident and emergency) or are admitted to hospital, take details of your medicines with you if possible.""

Please go back to your doctors and if you have not already, get an action plan, perhaps have a look at the information available on this website esp under 'All about asthma'.