Question about fostair

[ash6]

Hi all, so I have been switched to fostair from symbicort but my question is how long would it take for the new inhaler to be at full effect? The other issue I got is I was smoke free for 2 months but then all this corana business has made my anxiety sky high and now I started again so that has definitely not helped and I'm on antibiotics as im very phlegmy also

Just fed up with it all

[Poobah]

I noticed the difference almost immediately. The steroid is different and the long acting bronchidilator is the same. However the particles are smaller, the theory being that they go further into the lungs but this is dependent on inhaler technique (using the diaphragm not the shoulders).

Not sure if this medication alone will tackle phlegm. You'll definitely need a follow up appointment to discuss the efficacy of Fostair after at least 4 weeks so take that opportunity to raise the issue of persistent phlegm.

No doubt the doctor/nurse will advise you to stop smoking.

Ironically, anxiety about the coronavirus has led to you smoking again but we now know from stats coming out of China that smokers, on average, were in the same risk category as those who were elderly or those with a preexisting illness. By smoking you're increasing your risk, not of catching the virus, but if you do catch it your ability to fight it is lessened.

My advice would be to talk to your asthma nurse/doctor and try and get the phlegm sort ASAP. You want to be in the best possible place if you're unfortunate to get the virus.

[Troilus]

Hi Ash,

Like Poobah says I noticed the difference immediately. My GP told me it would take about 6 weeks for the steroid element to kick in, but it may take longer if you smoke. ( That’s not a criticism, just info you should be aware of.) Apparently smoking stops something binding to something ( guess you can tell I’m no scientist 😁) and smokers often need a higher dose of steroids because of this.

[Wheezycat]

I noticed a difference after a while.

[Angel-Girl]

Hi, I found it was working really quickly as Poohbar said it the finer particle and the fact its gas propelled it also works better in a spacer. Troilus is also right about the binding to something I heard this but as I did not smoke did not really remember as was a bit sciencey. The figures of covid 19 deaths in Italy also seem to back up the Chinese in relation to smoking it does appear to put you in an at-risk group. As the phlegm, it is difficult to shift as only a couple meds help and no criticism here but it is made a lot worse by smoking, but steam does help reduce it a bit. Stay well God bless you