Cold becomes cough and stays forever!

[Scarlett]

I am asthmatic and have pleurisy in the past. Whenever I get a cold it stays in my head for 2 days, and then goes down to my chest, where it wreaks havoc. I get very short of breath and my salbutamol and fostair inhalers don't work. I have a cough which lasts months, and gives me a sharp, burny pain in the middle of my boobs when I cough. It becomes a chest infection and I cough up yellow/green stuff, and then I visit the doc who gives me antibiotics, which often do not work.

I haven't had the flu jab for years, as when I did have it, it made me more ill than I have ever been- flu and a cough which started the burny pain in my chest which I've had ever since.

I get worried now every Autumn when I get a cold- I have one now and am struggling to breathe. Any thoughts on the best course of action?

[Sqad]

You are a chronic asthmatic at best and at the onset of chest infections, wide spectrum antibiotics are essential. Also you mention that Fostair and Salbutamol are not effective.

I do appreciate that Fostair does contain a steroid, but it is my opinion that at the onset of an infection, you should see your GP with a view to steroids by mouth for at least ten days as well as the antibiotic.

This is a difficult problem and not my sphere of expertise, but just personal thought.

[Scarlett]

Thanks Sqad- appreciate it. Am always wary of the doc as I don't want them to just put me on a higher doseage steroid inhaler. They usually don't give me an antibiotic unless I am coughing up coloured stuff, and have a rattley back. I will go see them though.

[annieigma]

Hi,
I have a spare supply of prednisolone, given by the doctor, because when i get a cold the ashhma kicks in and breathing is terrible, about 150 on the meter, so i take the steroids and that clears it within a day, a real life saver. I usually take 6 tablets first off, then 4 tablets 4 hours later, then another 4 and thats it, breathing great. I know people go on about side effects, but a short dose over a couple of days is not going ro harm anyone.
Annie.

[Quassia]

Scarlett,
I have those two inhalers prescribed to me. When I go for my review with the nurse .. she always tells me .. if I am not regularly taking both because it's not always needed .. to definately 'regularly' take both come the start of September. This allows both inhalers to 'kick' in and protect your airways before the big chill of Winter starts. Do you do this?

[Scarlett]

Hi! Yes, I always take both twice a day- sometimes more if I need the Salbutamol. It seems like it's not doing the trick though, as when I get a cold it always goes onto my chest within a couple of days. I will suggest a quick burst of prednisolone- thanks!

[Quassia]

Hope you find something that works for you Scarlett!