The weather finally got me (again)

[MrsCMK]

I’ve seen lots of posts in here about how this hot and stormy weather has been affecting people. I’ve been kind of waiting for my turn and it got me today.

On the plus side, I saw a new GP at my practice who happened to have quite an interest in asthma and I FINALLY got my preventer changed to one that’s stronger and also one that shouldn’t give me foot cramp! I’ll take my silver linings wherever I find them!

Question though: every flare turns into a chest infection these days...does anyone know why? I didn’t think to ask during the appointment

[Lotti_321-]

Maybe ask to do a sputum sample after any antibiotics/ when you feel over the chest infection. This would just double check if any bugs were remaining!

Hope the new new preventer works 🤞🏼

[MrsCMK in reply to Lotti_321-]

That’s a really good point- after the last infection, I did feel rough for a good week or so afterwards so you may be right there.

Thanks for the advice

[Minushabens]

I'd definitely start with the sputum sample & if they come back offering you antibiotics, ask what bugs were there. It might just be a problematic infection but long-term asthma can develop into more complex problems such as bronchiectasis. In my case, I developed something called ABPA, so it's best to get an early diagnosis if that's the case. GPs don't always understand these complications (I kind of understand why) but will treat what they are faced with & miss what could be there.

It might be that a hit with antibiotics sorts it, but best to take control yourself if you can.

[MrsCMK in reply to Minushabens]

Great advice, thank you.

You’ve now got me thinking- the last 2 chest infections that I had, I felt unwell but I remember not having a cough at all, which is so strange but that was the diagnosis of the doctor upon examination.

My chest feels tight today, which is because I’m experiencing another flare but I do have a fever, so wondering is it a chest infection or something else? Strange!