kandinsky I was diagnosed a couple of years ago with late onset coughing variant Asthma, age 65.
It’s likely that you will only get the preventer Inhaler, if used properly twice a day, this should prevent any further exacerbation, I also have a course of Prednisalone in case I have an exacerbation and am unable to get to the GP surgery .
I was also prescribed a daily pill which I stopped taking as it upset my stomach, apart from a Ventolin Inhaler which I use if I get breathless ( as well as the preventer) that’s it. Be aware of your body and act accordingly, my DH and DDs will tell me if I’m coughing as I don’t always realise how much I am doing it, I then need to use all inhalers and if after an hour or so I’m no better then I have to call the surgery.
Buy a peak flow meter and keep a daily reading, if it drops take regular reading over an hour or so as you could be heading downwards, it can happen quite quickly so be aware.
I also have a Pulse Ox meter that I can use if I feel uncertain.
You can download an action plan which you can fill in and carry with you.
The Asthma nurses are very good and can be phoned during surgery hours.
At the end of the day I have been told that if I feel that I am going downhill then I’m to ring 999 , I’ve not had to, but you will learn how to cope and also if you have a particular trigger.
Let your Health Insurance and Travel Insurance providers know ASAP.
Health Unlocked has a useful forum for Asthma sufferers.
PM me if you have any other questions?
Hope you feel better very soon, just use your preventer every day, even if you don’t feel you don’t need it.