symbicort no longer effective

[mackro]

Hi, I have been on symbicort 160/4.5 for more than 10 years. It worked wonderfully until recently when I started having tight chest and coughing. The phelgm was light green and my GP increased the dosage to 2 puffs, theree times pee day plus 250 mg neulin in the morning and suigulair at night. After more than month my asthma is not 100 % under controlled. I guess it is 50% or less.

Any suggestion?

[strongmouse]

Surely light green phlegm suggests an infection? If you still have that I'd suggest revisiting the doctor to make sure that you don't have an infection in your chest or sinuses.

[mackro in reply to strongmouse]

Thanks for your suggestion. I did and my GP gave some antiobiotic which I have already completed. It improved slightly but the phelgm is stiil there. Could it be the sign that symbicort is no longer effective for me?

[strongmouse in reply to mackro]

Okay. Possible you need change of medication. Last year when I found my inhalers weren't working and GP put me on different inhaler which gave me side effects I spoke to Asthma UK nurse on their helpline. They were incredibly supportive, listened and gave me lots of information about my options. I suggest that you give them a ring. 0300 222 5800 (9 - 5 Monday to Friday)

[mackro in reply to strongmouse]

Thanks for yor suggestion. I really appreciate.

[mackro]

My asthma is now almost under controlled after nearly 2 months of flare-up. My physcian refused to change to another inhaler knowing symbicort worked brilliantly for me in last 10 years. Instead he asked me any change in my lifestyle or anything new which I introduced into my house in recent months. I remembered installing new air freshener and changed to oil-type bath soap recently. He asked me to get rid the air freshener and revert to my old style bath soap. I did both in addition to new air purifier which I recently installed in my bedroom. He then prescribed some antibiotics for my cough, motelucast and neulin. Since then my condition has improved significantly. No more cough or chest tightness. Importantly I can now be active in sport again which I missed so much for the last 2 months. Hope my experience be of value to readers in this forum.