Change of inhalers

[Barbs80]

Hi there

Had an asthma review with the nurse today as I have recently felt that my asthma isn't under control. I have been experiencing shortness of breath and chest tightness (no cough or wheeze) and having to use salbutamol more than normal. Peak flow was normal today so she didn't feel my asthma was bad. I also have allergic rhinitis/sinusitis and that is what's causing most of my asthma symptoms. However, she is considering changing my preventer inhaler from seretide 250 to symbicort. Would anyone recommend symbicort or find it more effective?

[risabel59]

Hi there, I have used both Symbicort and Seretide. I found them both effective. But some people prefer / find that one works better than the other. As you probably know they are both combination drugs, steroid + Long acting bronchodilator. Symbicort works faster, and can be used as part of the Symbicort smart system, where you up your dose according to symptoms.

I ended up using Seretide more as I have to use a lot of add on drugs and my consultant at that time preferred it. I now use neither as my consultant has changed me to a completely different regime.

This may not make things clearer, but they are both good drugs, also if you are symptomatic your asthma is not controlled. Peak flow is not necessarily the only important measurement. It is a great indicator but should be used along with other symptoms such as night waking, coughing, wheezing and being unable to complete activities that you would normally do. And use of salbutamol other than for exercise more than 3 times a week.

If you are having rhinitis/ sinus symptoms you could try nasal rinsing. ( Neil med). This really helps me, you can get the kit in any good pharmacy.

Best

R

[Barbs80 in reply to risabel59]

Thanks R for replying & for your advice. To be honest I haven't found seretide effective so would be up for trying a new combination. Asthma nurse increased my seretide from 125 to 250 for a couple of months before deciding on symbicort. I hate when I do the peak flow & it's normal yet my asthma has been affecting my work life. The ENT specialist gave me lots of info about nasal rinsing just a little afraid of doing it but will be brave & give it a go 😊

[lakelover]

Symbicort is very effective for me, but I think different people find different inhalers to be the best for them. My nurse recommended I try Fostair, but though it seems to work better for a lot of people, after a while struggling with it I'm back on Symbicort. I also find I have problems with mdis & I much prefer dry powder inhalers, but some people can't take those. It's just what works best for an individual so you sometimes have to try different inhalers. You mention rhinitis/sinusitis. I'm not an expert but perhaps a nasal spray could help. I use one occasionally & find Nasonex to be best, but people always try to get me on Avamys which doesn't seem to help me. (I like to be different!)

[Barbs80 in reply to lakelover]

Thanks, there's so many inhalers out there these days it a hard to know which is best as you say it comes down to each individual. I know when I was a child I couldn't take dry powder inhalers so I guess that worries me a bit. But hey on seretide 250 for a month to see how it goes & then make a decision. I have been on so many nasal sprays ENT recommended dymista however my doc has me back on Avamys. Oh the joys my asthma is not that bad but is not under control so its affecting my daily life especially with work so keen to get back on top of it.

[risabel59 in reply to Barbs80]

I use Dymista in my main allergy season and Avamys the rest of the time. Dymista has an antihistamine in it as well as a steroid.

R

[Barbs80 in reply to risabel59]

I think dymista worked well for me over the summer keeping hayfever at bay didn't need to take additional antihistamines. However every now & again I had a terrible taste in my mouth when using it. Can I ask do you use your Avamys once a day, if so morning or night?

[risabel59]

I use Avamys once a day, but if I get a cold I use it twice a day. It's part of my step up regime.

R

[Barbs80 in reply to risabel59]

Thanks 😊