Doctors not taking asthma seriously

My boyfriends recently been diagnosed with asthma, maybe 6 months ago. His asthma is getting worse, and to the point where he sounds as though he's having an asthma attack in his sleep?? i've taken a voice recording to play the doctors and when we rang up to book him in, they've not taken him seriously, they wont give him an appointment and told him to phone back if it gets worse..how much worse does it have to get? i fear if it gets much worse, i wont be in a good way. He's currently takin fostair and ventolin daily. what should we do?

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You dont have to tell a receptionist what the problem is, its none of their business, - and they should not - and cannot, make clinical decisions about whether he needs an appointment! I would try and make an emergency appointment, if the receptionist wont allow you to, say you will put in a complaint to the practice manager and ask for the name of the receptionist.

Obviously if his ventolin isnt helping, then you need to seek help, hopefully he has an asthma plan..? Could you ask for the practice's asthma nurse to give him a call? Some practices also do phone calls with the doctors, I know I can book a telephone appointment if needed. Maybe thats an option too

Lynda

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hi lynda, it was the triage nurse that phoned him back - they are the people who phone back from our surgery when u ask to make an emergency appointment, all they told him to do was take ventolin and open the windows when sleeping, out surgery also doesnt do action plans unforunately as ive had this problem in the past - im not sure what to do for him but i am worried for his health, and so is he!

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Not good I would seriously be considering changing surgery if this was the treatment I received! I thought asthm along with a few other conditions were priority to be seen with! If he doesn't start responding/gets worse/any other concerns I'd to to ooh/a&e. It sounds as though it needs sorting swiftish!

Take care!

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I would also be changing surgery! And still putting in a complaint to the practice manager, I would like to know where in the BTS asthma guidelines opening windows figures...!!

Can you make a non emergency appointment in the meantime with the GP so at least you have an appointment coming up?

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I agree with the others. He should also be having an asthma review as he's using ventolin every day. Hope it's sorted soon.

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hi

if the doctors won't see him, if he is getting worse then 999 ambulance and insist he is to be taken in - that is your right and then let a proper chest consultant look at him

good luck

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Since when does opening a window help!? Seriously if he's really struggling phone 999 or go to a&e.

Hugs xxx

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just like to let you guys know, thanks for your replys, that evening i got him an OOH appointment (90 minutes drive from home) and they saw him and gave him a course of steroids, struggling to get an asthma review at the doctors short of in 8 weeks time - but for now i think things are on the up, we're off on holiday tomorrow so a chance to rest and recover xx

[Asthma-girl]

Glad that things seem to be improving.

Have a lovely holiday.

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My boyfriends recently been diagnosed with asthma, maybe 6 months ago. His asthma is getting worse, and to the point where he sounds as though he's having an asthma attack in his sleep?? i've taken a voice recording to play the doctors and when we rang up to book him in, they've not taken him seriously, they wont give him an appointment and told him to phone back if it gets worse..how much worse does it have to get? i fear if it gets much worse, i wont be in a good way. He's currently takin fostair and ventolin daily. what should we do?

if you are that worried call 999 ! get him in to a n e with your gp try to move to another on there is a big over lap on catch meant areas for gps

hope this helps

take care

Mat