I think my Christmas is cursed last year spent Christmas and New year in hospital with Pneumonia. This Christmas felt fine in the morning. Starting Cooking the Christmas meal but by the time it came to eating it my temperature was 39.0 and my 02 saturations began to fall. Rang 111 for advice they arranged an appointment at my local emergency treatment centre. In and out within 10 minutes. This included Can reactivate protein test. Supplied with Antibiotics. Now feeling a lot better and chest returning to normal.
The big question by 111 and the staff at the emergency was where was my emergency pack. They tell me I should have one my Medical centre states only severe get them. As I am moderate they will not issue me with one. Is there a protocol that I can quote to my GP the next time I see him?
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Badbessie
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The NICE guideline for COPD recommends: Patients at risk of having an exacerbation of COPD should be given a course of antibiotic and corticosteroid tablets to keep at home for use as part of a self-management strategy.This reflects good evidence that prompt therapy in exacerbations results in less lung damage, faster recovery and fewer admissions (and subsequent readmissions) to hospital.
Please note, it is acknowledged that not all patients will be eligible or appropriate for the provision of antibiotic and corticosteroid for self-treatment at home
Unquote.
Mine was given after a hospital admission. I was Severe at the time.
I also have emergency pack. Started them after a hospital admission some years ago. My GP supplies them once I start them I then request new prescription.
Rescue meds or emergency packs at home are subject to agreement with your Gp.they are not automatically supplied for all people with lung diseases.you could try having a rational discussion with your Gp about the benefit of having them at home or like me involve either your long term conditions team or your consultants respiratory clinic as my Gp was initially reluctant to prescribe them.eventually you will pursuade them it is in the best interests of all concerned.......................good luck skis and an ab's cat xx
Thank you all for your kind replies Not had a chest infection since February. However like most I find they always occur at the most inconvenient times. I.E when it's a holiday etc. Will have a talk with GP.
Hi point out to your GP that you need emergency help when you are ill to avoid damaging your lungs any further and what the hell you are supposed to do at evenings, weekends and holiday times! x
The respiratory clinic asked the GP to give me a rescue pack. I had no problems then.
A doctor speaking at our Breatheasy group said that all people with lung problems should have access to an emergency pack. I told my GP and I now have antibiotics and steroids to keep at home. I am classified as having mild COPD but also have asthma and bronchiectasis. The emergency packs have been used on many occasions. I usually use them when my condition worsens overall and phlegm becomes mucky green and always if my temp rises suddenly. xx Moy
I have an emergency pack. I have bronchiecstasis and it’s important not to let a chest infection get a hold. I also take antibiotics as a prophylactic, and since I changed these in August I have only had one very mild infection!
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Re bronchiectasis, should I start emergency antibiotics if I catch a cold?
rescue pack 
