Chesty cough

[Helennn]

Hi all, walking to work and back this last week in these minus freezing conditions has done my asthma and chest no good at all! Got a tight chest and trying to hack this phlegm up. Think I need steroids but not sure if my doctor will prescribe them without an antibiotic? Also think I need to ask for an emergency pack again as feel like if I would have started them Friday it wouldn’t have got this bad.

[QuietChest]

Sorry to hear your not so good, this weather has certainly had an impact.

Yes steroids can be given without antibiotics. It will depend on your PF and what it is compared to your normal. Also how much rescue inhaler your using.

A rescue pack maybe an answer so you get early treatment. I have one but do discuss (not face to face) with a doctor before I start.

Hope you feel better soo.

[Helennn in reply to QuietChest]

Hey, thank you for your reply. How are you feeling?

It started on Friday when I was sitting at work and could feel my chest tighten up. I’ve only had to use my blue rescue inhaler twice 2 pumps since then.

Yeah I’m definitely going to suggest it. Yeah that sounds like a good idea discussing over the phone before you go ahead and start them.

[QuietChest in reply to Helennn]

Touch wood I’ve been okayish in this weather, I live on Scottish East coast and really badly hit. Today was first time out since Wednesday.

I spoke to my GP on Thursday and we had a plan in case things deteriorated over weekend but so far so good. Not perfect but tolerable.

Hop you feel better soon

[Helennn in reply to QuietChest]

Aw good! Oh wow! A lot of people in Norfolk where I am got snowed in and could not get anywhere either.

I kind of wish I did also as it has done me no good being out in it!

It sounds like you have a brilliant relationship with your GP also.

Keep warm!

[Dubba61]

Hi lots of Lincolnshire snowed in too. I didn't go out for a week. Must be difficult for you having to get to work. I would ask your Doc for the back up Steroids. I'm usually on them at some point every Winter. So far managed without, this year. Chest not so good though. Dee

[Helennn in reply to Dubba61]

Hi Dee, thanks for your reply. Oh wow I can imagine my uncles from there and there’s a lot county roads. Aww no.

I’m going at 11 today after the reluctant receptionist magically found an appointment in the end but not with my normal doctor.

[Hidden]

Walking in very cold air has always been a major trigger for me, seems to paralyse my lungs! If you have to walk to work, try wearing a microfibre buff over nose & mouth & a warm scarf over that, and use your ventolin or other bronchodilator about 20mins beforehand, to relax your airways before you set off. Walk very slowly too, don't put your lungs under pressure when the air is very cold.

[Helennn in reply to Hidden]

Hi, thank you for your reply and useful tips!

I think walking in the cold air is definitely a trigger for me also! I normally get a bus but they were only running on the Friday last week so trekked in the snow!

[gingermusic]

Are you keeping your nose, mouth and ears covered when out in the cold if not you need to be

[Helennn in reply to gingermusic]

Hi, thank you for your reply. I try to keep my mouth covered with my scarf and ears with my hood but I think I should be keeping my nose covered too!

[mel909]

I found it hard too, n others I know needed to use the Ventolin more. It's always good to have a rescue pack on hand. I think the sooner an infection is treated the better, n cold can inflame

lungs. Even with a scarf over my mouth, there were moment's. I think it's something to do with air pressure as well. I used to take a hot water bottle with me in the car to keep my hands warm then I could put them on my chest .

I admire you for doing all that walking

Mel909

[Helennn in reply to mel909]

Hi Mel, thank you for your reply.

Aww yeah I never need my ventolin but did over the weekend. Yes definitely!

Aw that’s a good idea!

Thank you! Don’t think work are too happy with me though as have had final warnings up to my ears!

Helen

[gingermusic]

I bought a Buff which you put over your head and then pull up to cover what ever you need I find I can cover ears nose and mouth even using my oxygen and its breathable material, search on line I think I got mine from Amazon

[Helennn in reply to gingermusic]

Thank you I’ll have a look on Amazon! Been given clarithromycin for 7 days from a doctor but she did not think I needed steroids this time so will see.

[gingermusic]

Took me 3 weeks of two different antibiotic and one week of steroids before I got any better.

[Helennn in reply to gingermusic]

Oh wow! If it doesn’t start clearing up by about Thursday I’m going to ask for steroids.