How long for?

[Chip_y2kuk]

OK so the doctor told me to take 8 puffs of fostair to get back in control of an asthma flare up.... however she didn't say how long for? I know till I'm better which I'm not sure I'm quite there yet but how long is too long?

[Wheezycat]

I had an asthma attack back in June and ended up in hospital. My inhalers were changed, from Clenil to symbicort. I was told, in no uncertain terms, to take 8 puffs daily (2x4) for three months. That was the hospital, but once out the GP I first saw told me to get it down within a week or two. Given that I had been told so firmly I stood my ground, and a month or two later that was validated by a more experienced GP and also the asthma nurse. Now I am cutting down, so I am now on 6 puffs daily. The asthma nurse said I could immediately halve my dose, from 8 to 4, or, if I preferrred, do it more gradually, which I did. So, at first 6 for two weeks, then down to four. But then I did get some mild return of symptoms, possibly because I had a cold, though the cold was so slight I wasn't even sure. The asthma UK nurse then suggested I should go back up on to 6 for 4-6 weeks. That 's where I am at now, for another week or two.

We are all different, but I was clearly told to take this very, very slowly. If your own nurse is hard to get hold of, perhaps the Asthma UK nurse can help you.

[S4r4L0u153]

I have to do the same with Flutiform sometimes. I do this until my peak flow returns to normal, then for a wk more. In total I find it's usually about 2 wks of increased dose. This is the same for my child who is on beclometasone, he increases it got 2 wks. Hope that helps. Get well soon.xx

[Chip_y2kuk]

Ok so I did a week at 8 puffs and have reduced back down to 4 on the basis that...

A) the steroids won't wear out of my system quickly and if I start feeling ill again I can go back to 8 puffs

B) I feel mostly better and am not stopping the Steroid inhaler just reducing back to my prescribed dosage