asthma ... beta blockers, flecainide

[Jonathan_C]

I raised this issue a few years ago and I am repeating it in the hope that something has changed regarding meds....

I am back on flecainide and beta blockers (100mg and 1.25 mg respectively) - low doses. I don't remember exercise being so arduous nor do I remember my asthma being triggered so easily (when exercising). I know the beta blocker does something to asthma....but this seems a bit out of kilter.

have there been any breakthroughs in medicine in the last 18 months regarding asthma and beta blockers anyone is aware of!

fyi, I use an Ipratropium bromide inhaler which is different from a beta agonist, which is the more common type of inhaler.

[Buffafly]

Asthma and betablockers don't go - my GP refused to let me have even the smallest dose because she said you may be ok when all is well but when your body is stressed eg by virus it may tip the balance dangerously. When I was in hospital with an episode of AF and an evil cough they were going to keep me in to try Bisoprolol but the AF stopped just as I was admitted so I was discharged without it - I take Diltiazem instead. Several people have changed to Nebivolol although their docs were reluctant. It is supposed to be better for breathing problems but the lowest dose is very expensive so the way round it is to have a higher dose and cut it in half 🙄

Short answer - nothing's changed.

[Auriculaire]

I have changed to Nebivolol from Bisoprolol recently. I am definitely using my Ventolin spray less. What Buffafly says about cost is probably true as the 5mg pill prescribed is scored and I break it in 4 for the 1.25mg daily dose.

[Jonathan_C in reply to Auriculaire]

Thanks for these comments. I don't have regular asthma, it only comes on with exercise. Last night I had a session on my boxing bag which is mainly 90 second on and 30 second intervals and had no problems. So I think its a matter of selecting exercises wisely.