New to asthma.

[Gael_flynn]

Hi I was just fecently diagnosed with asthma (I'm 45) I've been hospitalised twice now due to an asthma attack, my last one had me rushed into resu by ambulance (very scary) . When an attack starts I get this very annoying cough and I vomit when coughing. How many times can I multi dose with salamol via the spacer before I seek medical help????

[Thompson_2009]

Hi

Get a peakflow meter if you do not have one and find out what your peak is when feeling fine. When you feeling the asthma starting take 2 puffs in a spacer every 5-10 mins and if you don't respond or your peak flow keeps dropping then seek help.

That's what i do if i am bad or take steroids first which i had to do last night as it happens.

all the best

[Gael_flynn in reply to Thompson_2009]

I have one, I've not been well enough yet to get my Base line peak flow but they've estimated it at 420 based on my height. Last night it went down to 240. But it's never been higher that 350. It's a lot to learn and come to terms with.

[Thompson_2009 in reply to Gael_flynn]

Are you on steroids then.

[Gael_flynn in reply to Thompson_2009]

Yes I'm on oral steroids, I think they're called prednisone.

[Thompson_2009 in reply to Gael_flynn]

Yes me to at moment you should be okay while on them just take a while to work, asthma takes a while to settle and manage its not nice though.

[Gael_flynn in reply to Thompson_2009]

Your not wrong. 😕 This is the 3rd time I've been in hospital in as many months. I'm getting steroids through the nebuliser too and I'm starting to get some relief.

[Thompson_2009 in reply to Gael_flynn]

Good, it can take a little while to settle, when struggling, sit forward slightly, hands on knees elbows forward opens your lungs a lot more when taking nebs. That's how I was instructed when in hospital.all the best.

[Gael_flynn in reply to Thompson_2009]

Thanks for the tip 🙂

[Beth_19]

the asthma.org.uk website states the following when having an asthma attack -

1. Sit up straight - don't lie down. Try to keep calm.

2. Take one puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30-60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.

3. If you feel worse at any point while you're using your inhaler or you don't feel better after 10 puffs or you're worried at any time, call 999 for an ambulance.

4. If the ambulance is taking longer than 15 minutes you can repeat step 2.

(IMPORTANT! This asthma attack information is not designed for people on a SMART or MART regime. If you are on a SMART or MART regime, please speak to your GP or asthma nurse to get the correct asthma attack information.)

Hope this helps. If you go on the Asthma.org.uk website they have some good information.

[Gael_flynn in reply to Beth_19]

Thanks everyone, I multi dosed and my coughing, wheezing eased off but then after about 10 mins it all started getting worse again. I ended up going to a&e and I'm on a ward at the moment having nebs every 4 hours. I just wish they'd get it under control.

[Beth_19 in reply to Gael_flynn]

I'm glad you sought out help. I hope your symptoms ease and you can return home soon.

[vampress]

Ive had asthma for 17 years, since I was 7. My peak flow never gets beyond 350 at the moment. The important thing is finding medication that works for you and sticking to the routine. Also carrying spares with you always and learning your triggers will be very helpul. I find drinking coffee when I'm wheezy is also really helpful as caffeine opens up your airways. Hope you can get this sorted soon x

[Gael_flynn in reply to vampress]

Thanks for your advice, it's only been a few months for me and the bloods they done the last time I was showed I'm allergic to grass & tree pollen. I live in Glasgow and we had some gorgeous weather recently with very high pollen counts but that was when my breathing started to improve. Its gotten worsee since the weather became wet and miserable again. Im getting discharged tomorrow and I'll get an appointment for the asthma consultant at the hospital. 🙄