I am in my 40s and have had asthma since I was 16 (when I got my diagnosis).

Medications I am on for the asthma: Ventolin 2 puffs every 4 hours as needed. Advair discus one inhalation twice a day. Atrovent 2 puffs twice a day.

My problem is that I have the slight cough I have when my asthma is acting up and I am tight in the throat. I am wheezing a bit more then usual, but don't feel like I need a mask treatment. I can not see my doctor until next week as I just found out he is on vacation until then. I called to make an appointment today to go over my medication and see if changes should be made.

I am taking my Ventolin more than prescribed but have been told I can up the dose if I need to. (by the respiratory nurses)

I know if my puffers are not giving me relief at all and I am still having a hard time breathing it is doctors or ER. I have been hospitalized for my asthma. The worse it ever got was I was on oxygen, and having the mask every two hours and steroids by IV.

After all that info here is my question. Will going to the ER help me out at all or be a waste of their and my time. Advice is appreciated.

Susan

Just for an update. I went to a clinic this am. Lungs sounded clear no wheezing. The doc put me on another puffer, and antibiotics. I also had a throat swab done and a chest x ray.

He said if I am still having symptoms after the antibiotics are finished to see family doctor.

mogrann,for future referance head to the E.R, you can never be to careful with asthma,or a number of someone you can call to pick you up (going by my own experience).

Hope you feel better soon.

Redhed I did not go to ER as I assumed where I was not in distress they would not do anything. I also did not want to waste their time and take up resources of an all ready too busy system. I did keep an eye on it and was prepared to go to ER if I needed to for a treatment. If you are saying I should have still gone please explain why. I do know asthma can kill and I also know there are times you don't post asking for help but just go.
That is why I posted here, and when I was the same the next day I made the decision to just go to a clinic.

The doctor did not explain why the new puffer or the tests were needed let alone the antibiotics. So I have no clue what is going on /sigh My PDoc is back on Monday and I am going to be phoning to see about getting in ASAP as he will explain things to me and give me a detailed treatment plan.

Thank you for your response
Susan

As you know I cannot give any medical advice and your doctor is the best person to advice you.

I only know from my own experience that when I'm taking in more air then I can get out I need assistance.

I do understand where your coming from about not wasting time in the E.R, but if your feeling really unwell and your condition is getting worse, seeking medical attention is best,as I'm sure you well know.

I'm sure your doctor will be able to explain the antibiotics, which are given for infection not for anything viral, and as you say give you a more detailed treatment plan.