Respiratory clinic
The respiratory clinic is run by Sister Lewis.
The purpose of the clinic is to regularly review our asthma and COPD patients so that, as far as possible, we can prevent serious asthma attacks. We encourage any patient who is receiving medication for asthma or COPD to attend the clinic.
ASTHMA
What can I do to help myself?
Keep taking medication as prescribed
Stop smoking for more information and help to stop smoking go to www.nhs.uk/smokefree
Eat a healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Have regular reviews with Doctor/nurse to continually update your management plan.
Have a Flu jab every year (if you are on a steroid inhaler)
Book an appointment with a Doctor or Respiratory Nurse if you feel that your Asthma is not controlled or that you have an infection.
Signs that your Asthma is not controlled
Symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness
Symptoms at night that disturb sleep
Symptoms that make everyday activities more difficult
Using reliever inhaler more often than usual
Peak flow is below normal predicted range
Signs the worsening might be due to an infection
Coughing up more mucus than normal or different coloured mucus
High temperature, fever or chills
Feeling tired or weak
Sore throat or pain on swallowing
Blocked nose, pressure in sinuses or headache
Signs of an Emergency
Using reliever a lot
Reliever isn’t helping
Difficulty in breathing
Not able to talk in full sentences
Symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, cough are worse than normal
Peak flow reading is less than half your normal reading
What to do in Asthma attack
1 Take 2 puffs of reliever inhaler
2 Sit down, try to relax and take slow deep breaths
3 If you don’t feel better take 2 puffs of you reliever every 2 minutes; you can take up to 10 puffs
4 If no better call 999 immediately, if the ambulance isn’t there in 10 minutes, take 2 puffs of your reliever again, up to 10 puffs.
5 If you feel better and don’t need to go to A&E you should still see your GP or Nurse in the same day.
6 If you have been prescribed prednisolone tablets (steroids) to keep at home then take as instructed by Doctor/Nurse.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for people with chronic bronchitis, Emphysema or both.
What can I do to help myself?
Have regular reviews with Doctor/nurse to continually update your management plan
Keep taking medication as prescribed
Stop smoking for more information and help to stop smoking go to www.nhs.uk/smokefree
Eat a healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Have a Flu jab every year
Have a Pneumonia vaccination. This is a one off injection and not yearly like the Flu jab.
Signs that COPD is worsening
Coughing up more mucus than normal or different coloured mucus
Shortness of breath, that is worse than normal.
Book an appointment with a Doctor or Respiratory Nurse if you feel that your COPD is getting worse or that you have an infection.