January Case Study
Patient: John
Age: 56
Asthma History: Patient has had mild asthma since childhood. He has never been hospitalised
“I cough at night. I have a chronic wheeze and I am not responding to my asthma treatment. I have been coughing at night for the past six months. I have had asthma since I was a child but it was always mild. My sister has asthma also and I suffer from hayfever in the the summer. I have attended my GP and been referred to hospital for Pulmonary Function Tests which were normal. Can you please help to advise me on how to get my asthma under control?”
Asthma Nurse’s Advice
It would help with your asthma treatment and management if you used a peak flow meter. You can learn how to use a peak flow meter here. You should carry out serial peak flows for 2 weeks to monitor your symptoms, and to help you determine if something is triggering your asthma.
I would also recommend that you have your inhaler technique checked by your GP or asthma nurse specialist or by visiting the Asthma Society web page on inhaler technique here.
In regards to your hayfever, a nasal treatment such a saline rinse in the summer time may help.
After taking the above measures and if there is no improvement I would recommend you to call the Asthma Helpline again on 01 8788511.
