Asthma flare not settling....

[jenny72]

Hi all, I'm a (usually) well controlled asthmatic on Seretide 125 twice daily with very occasional use of ventolin. About a month ago after a week of camping/being outdoors, my asthma flared (tight chest, no wheeze or cough) and I was started on Pred 40mgs daily for 5 days. (only had x1 course of steroids in over 20 years). I completed the course and had spoken with my excellent asthma nurse who was keeping an eye on things. Within 24 hours my tight chest had returned and I was put back on the steroids - this was 2 weeks ago. My peak flow best is 450 and my PFs over the last few weeks have slowly improved from 350 up to 400 but no higher. My asthma nurse started me on Montelukast last Tuesday and advised stopping the steroids this weekend (this is alongside increased secretive 250 three times daily) .I don't usually get hay fever symptoms but she is thinking that my unusual flare may be allergy related. I live in the countryside and my GP has said it's been particularly bad recently. I'm frustrated because I'm still feeling tight chested a lot of the time (varies a bit).. We are also having house renovations done (an extension) and although there doesn't seem to be a lot of dust, there is possibly micro fragments more than I realise perhaps.... How long before the Montelukast should work - if it is going to? I've never had a flare like this before and although it's not stopping me doing anything as such, it is getting me down that it's not going away.... Thank you for reading this, all responses gratefully received.

[ChrissieMons]

I suspect it is the building work that is getting to you. If you can, try sleeping somewhere else for a while and see if your lungs calm down, as if so, you'll know it's the dust. In my experience it gets everywhere. Last time, I even had to spring clean the dolls' house...

[jabber]

Hi Jenny, a very quick reply to your question about montelukast - when I first went on it over 10 years ago, it took about four weeks to have an effect (though my consultant had said two!) but the improvement when it did kick in was well worth waiting for - I could breathe normally again.

Have you tried putting 'montelukast' in the search box above right? It should bring up many more discussions on the subject - I know I've answered this question before.

If you are also a member/follower on the BLF site there are more threads there too.

I agree with Chrissie that if you can, it might be an idea to try sleeping somewhere else in the meantime.

I hope the montelukast works well for you and you get back to your old self soon.