I get a lot of chest infections, usually bacterial and but so far this season I just have recurring viral infections.
Mucus plagues me but I don't have allergic asthma my triggers are cold air, dry air, smoke, chemical smells and perfume. As you can imagine my airways are reacting terribly at the moment and I have appointment next week to talk about monkelukast.
I was wondering if anyone had less frequent lower respiratory infections when the mucus production was controlled with Montelukast?
I'm not medically qualified, so this is just my perspective & your GP might well have a different one, but I think montelukast is far more about relaxing your airways, especially at night. I take it & continue to get frequent chest infections & cough up rubbish.
What is worth being aware of though is that there are other factors that can cause that, & if you haven't already, I'd be asking for some sputum samples to be taken to see what is in there & why it's not clearing.
I agree with Minushabens. I am on Montelukast and I still get frequent chest infections. So far, nothing I have been given has helped stopped my frequent infections. Sorry.
That's interesting reading the replies because I have just been put on montelkast after 1.5 years of almost constant chest infections. I've only been on it 2 weeks so can't comment on if it makes a difference or not yet. Although I have allergic asthma, I am also triggered by the things you mentioned too. I'll update you in a few weeks and let you know if I think it's made a difference.
Hi,
I was referred to Southampton Hospital by my asthma Dr at Bournemouth Hospital to see the asthma specialist. They did loads of allergy tests. Apparently I'm allergic to quite a few things. They said I have what they call 'Difficult Asthma', (whatever that means). I've been on Montelukast for a while now, and find it helps! 🙂
If light throat clearing / light coughing brings up your mucus, you may mean ‘upper respiratory’ rather than ‘lower’, in which case what you mention also applies to me.
I’m on Montelukast and suspect it does help (though can’t tell for sure unless I quit taking it). Believe it’s of particular interest to those with chronic (i.e. long-term) sinus infection and / or nasal polyps, which often contribute to Asthma Symptoms and Mucus Deposits in the Airways.
As you probably know, asthma itself often includes mucus formation. If the mucus coughed up is clear - and you don’t have an elevated temperature - then that might suggest it’s just the asthma, whereas coloured mucus can indicate a viral or bacterial infection. (Alas, as you’ll be aware, viruses which get into the nasal cavities or chest, can’t be tackled with Antibiotics, whereas bacterial infections can). Rhinoviruses seem to cause about 70%+ of asthma exacerbations.
A decent nasal spray, such as avamys (prescription only) might help if you have long term sinus / polyp issues that impact your asthma, but I’m not a medic, so a GP chat about these points is the way to go.
Hi,
I've just been prescribed Avamys (which helps no end), along with Fostair and Alvesco, which replaced my Symbicort 400. I've had to stop taking Fostair because of terrible side effects, but the Alvesco so far is helping, but it's early days! 🙂
Montelukast will help control the asthma which indirectly MAY help your lungs resist infection. I think anyone with significant asthma should be taking it unless they can’t tolerate it for some reason.
Hi,
I've been using Montelukast for sometime now, because it helps with my breathing at night. It doesn't stop chest infections, but I've noticed a difference, especially if I have a chest infection! 🙂
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