New video on worsening symptoms

Hi everyone,

Suzanne one of our Asthma UK nurses has made a video about recognising when your asthma symptoms get worse and what to do.

youtu.be/LEGQr-m9Ahk(Not working as expected?)

[Hidden]

Very interesting thank you. I get an asthma attack (I also have mod copd) about once every couple of months usually waking in the middle of the night with my throat closed up. I have never managed to notice what causes them or get any obvious symptoms beforehand. I usually manage to get control of my breathing back within an hour by hammering my blue inhaler but the last one took several hours. I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't and at what point is it a medical emergency? So far I have always managed to breathe through my nose instead. Can this change please?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hidden

Do you have a written action plan? That should cover what to do in a flare up and when you feel worse than usual. It's worth keeping a symptoms diary so you might be able to notice trends and changes in your condition. This will help you understand what happens just before a flare up. It's worth having a medication review with your healthcare professional if you are having an attack every couple of months and also asking about pulmonary rehab which may help manage your symptoms.

Please feel free to give our nurses team a ring on 0300 222 5800 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Take care,

Dita

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much Dita. No I don't have an action plan and never have had, maybe it's because I also have moderate copd? I see my respiratory nurse once a year for a review. Because of staff shortages it's virtually impossible to get to see a nurse so if I have any questions I either wait until she has time to call me back or ask the pharmacist.

I have tried going to my doctors instead but they refuse to discuss my meds or answer my questions as they 'haven't got time' and to make an appointment for the nurse. I tell them I can't coz there are no appointments but they just ignore it.

Oh and I have been to PR.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

hi Hidden

There's some information on the BLF website here about action plans: shop.blf.org.uk/collections...

And a tool you can use to look at what care you are receiving passport.blf.org.uk/

Hope that helps,

Dita

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Dita x

[Amyloulou in reply to Hidden]

The way I have seen it is if the blue inhaler isn't working after 10 puffs or if the symptoms come back not long after is to get emergency help as soon as possible, even if you are otherwise well. I've not long been discharged from hospital after spending 9 days over 2 weeks because of this and the most frightening thing is is that you don't feel as unwell as you are. If it wasn't for my gp there is a good chance I wouldn't be here. Always best to be safe.

[Hidden]

Hi Amyloulou

There's a bit more information here about what to do after being in hospital. Sounds like you've been through a scary time recently. There's some information about what to do when you've been recently hospitalised. bit.ly/2uAtedD

It can help to get some clarity on all the advice you've been given and you can do this by calling our Helpline and speaking to one of our asthma nurse specialists on 0300 222 5800 (9am - 5pm; Mon - Fri)

Hope that helps,

Dita

[Amyloulou in reply to Hidden]

Thank you xx