Steroid inhalers make me worse

[Asthmapatient]

I’ve tried several steroid inhalers, they all make my cough worse. I find using Serevent much better than a steroid. Anyone else have this problem.

[Bobcat_44]

You should never use Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (Salmeterol, Formoterol...) without ICS, because LABA medicines when used alone can increase the risk of hospitalizations and death from asthma problems.

[Asthmapatient in reply to Bobcat_44]

That may very well be the case, but I have a big problem that seems unsolvable. I’ve tried a lot of steroid inhalers, for the first month or so they are tolerable, after that without exception, I start to cough more. Eventually I spend the whole coughing and coughing and coughing. When I stop the steroid inhaler, the coughing gradually decreases. If I then add the Serevent the coughing becomes controlled. What am I supposed to do, take a steroid inhaler that makes the cough unbearable, or take a long acting drug that controls the cough. Any suggestions?

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Asthmapatient]

Have you tried any combination inhalers so far eg Seretide (since Serevent seems to help)? May also be that the propellant is causing issues - are they all the same type of inhaler, metered dose with the canister? Or have you tried dry powder too? Spacer (doesn't work with dry powder of course but with others)? There are newer types of inhaler device as well which may avoid this problem - is GP sympathetic/helpful?

May be worth asking the AUK nurses for advice.

[Thomas45]

Having done a quick Google search. it appears that coughing is a known side effect of some steroid and some non-steroid inhalers. I use a dry powder steroid inhaler (DuoRespSpiromax 320mg/9mcg). I am supposed to rinse my mouth our with water after each dose, or clean my teeth, but often forget. Fortunately it does what it's supposed to do, with no side effects. If I was in your shoes I'd seek medical advice. I've had asthma for 44 years but while I know what works for me, I have no idea what works for other people.