Feeling rubbish but clear chest???

[Autie1]

Hi

Ive been feeling completely pants all week (bloody chemicals!!!!) And was reviewed today by the nurse and because my chest is clear there is nothing she can do. I don't normally get wheezy or cough or anything apart from feeling poo and having a really tight feeling in my back and chest. My peak flow this morning was 180 but because im taking loads of salbutamol by the time she saw me it was 340 still pants for me but far better.. anyone have any advice on what to do next. Feel a bit frustrated with it all as my asthma usually well behaved

[LDloveslattecoffe]

You could ask for GP phone consult with GP. Ensure you explain 180 and how much ventolin took to get you to 340.

Just because chest is clear that only indicates you don't have an infection it doesn't tell them your airways are narrowed or inflamed.

If you have symptoms with the low peak flow ie cough, phlegm wheeze, shortness of breath, if it affects what do day to day all the usual questions it means asthma is uncontrolled or poor.

Dr can up your inhaler dose?

Dr can change inhaler - that could help if been on same inhaler a long time?

Dr can add Monteleukast and other Hayfever medication if your asthma is allergy triggered?

Dr can add a short course of prednisone usually 5 day course to see if that helps?

If 340 is low for you then don't hesitate to get help if it goes down to 180 and you have symptoms. If you get that low it can help you to give 111 a call (you or someone who lives with you) they used to be able to arrange an out of hours GP.

Look at Asthma UK link

asthma.org.uk/advice/manage....

They say

Call 999 for an ambulance if:

you're having an asthma attack and your symptoms don't improve after ten puffs of your blue reliever inhaler. An asthma attack is a medical emergency and it's vital to treat it quickly. Because asthma is a high priority, you may be sent a rapid response paramedic ahead of the ambulance.

[Autie1 in reply to LDloveslattecoffe]

Thanks for replying. Im currently waiting to have an urgent review by our hospital team. I've just finished a 6 day course of steriods which did help but then things got tricky again. I already take montelukast and have done for about 8 years and because I have an unusual genotype changing by preventer isn't really an option. I think if it goes that bad again (today its at 260) ill be phoning 111 for advice

[LDloveslattecoffe in reply to Autie1]

Autie1 it's not just peak flow but also symptoms.

Generally if you have had a course of pred ie 5 day and although it improved its gone wobbly again you probably needed a slightly longer course so it may mean you need another 5 days.

Definitely ring 111 on use the website but if the Ventolin is not helping and used more than 10 times you may need to call 999.

[Itswonderful in reply to Autie1]

Don’t hesitate. You may be overthinking it. I am guilty of that and it stops you acting when you really should be seeking help. Don’t take AN word for it. You know your own body. Do what you need to do and don’t be put off.