Not sure if asthma?

[Flowergirl78]

Update: Thank you to those who replied, I spoke to my doctor today & he has prescribed a 5 day course of steroids (as my condition has worsened constantly puffed out, tight chest, effort to talk, etc) prescribed a blue inhaler for as and when needed and advised to take fostair one puff twice daily. He did tell me fostair should only be taken once 12 hrs apart otherwise any other puffs are useless, although I have heard of many people being told different? I probably wouldn't have contacted the doctor if not for you both advising me as didn't think it serious enough.

Im on the asthma register but think it's more allergic asthma as mostly flares up when I suffer with hayfever ( I'm on the highest dose for prescribed meds) and strangely some types of cooking (!?!). Last year I barely touched my inhaler but the year before I used it quite a bit and this year has started the same. A scratchy throat and slowly felt like it is closing over days, almost a constant lump at the back of the throat. Earlier I tried my fostair inhaler (2 puffs) and pretty much immediately something felt better. 30 mins later I feel like more air is getting into my lungs and feel 'free'? Sorry that it doesn't make sense but never really thought I had asthma as dont wheeze but its really made a difference to the air getting into my lungs. What I want to know is am I going mad and just being paranoid or is this what it feels like to breathe properly for once! Sorry if I sound mad but struggling to put it into words 🤣

[WindsweptRissa]

I think you need to be a bit more specific with what medication you take and when. From my understanding Fostair is a combination inhaler (steroid plus long acting bronchodilator) it is something that you should use all the time to have effect and is only prescribed when the usual kind of steroid inhaler plus rescue inhaler (e.g. ventolin) has been unsuccessful in managing a person’s asthma, yet you seem to be not taking it all the time from your post. I may not have understood you correctly of course, but it would seem you need some help in understanding your asthma and your medication. If so, perhaps you need to speak to your asthma nurse/go or get some advice from the asthma UK helpline.

[Flowergirl78 in reply to WindsweptRissa]

My doctor gave me the fostair originally to take as and when needed along with fexofendine 180mg ( for hayfever ). Was not aware fostair should be used continuously. She changed it to fostair when I had to take a course of steroids once for my hayfever. I am seeing my daughters asthma nurse nxt week (providing it goes ahead) so could mention it but slim chance of me getting an appointment at the moment.

[WindsweptRissa in reply to Flowergirl78]

What were you taking before Fostair. I don’t think it’s something you should be using as a reliever only.

[Flowergirl78 in reply to WindsweptRissa]

I had the blue and brown inhalers but they weren't working at the time. I will try and speak to a doctor as my needs may have changed since then.

[WindsweptRissa in reply to Flowergirl78]

Were you taking your brown one everyday

[WindsweptRissa in reply to WindsweptRissa]

It can take several weeks for steroid inhalers to have full affect

[Xiave]

I think typically Fostair is taken twice daily as a preventer, but I have heard of people who have been instructed only to use it as a reliever, as you have been doing. You should definitely check with your doctor though, as it's unusual to only use it as a reliever - or if you can't get an appointment you could check the prescribing information on the sticker of the inhaler box. It should say exactly how you're meant to be taking it.

Fexofenadine 180mg is not actually the maximum dose. I take 4x180mg daily, though this was prescribed off-licence by a consultant. If you do manage to get an appointment with your doctor it might be worth asking about increasing your dose, especially if it's the hayfever that's triggering the asthma.

I think you really do need some advice direct from your doctor on this, as they will know exactly what you're meant to be taking and how often. I know they're busy at the moment, but I still think you need to be checking the medication doses you should be taking - and making sure you're taking what is prescribed. If, after making sure you're taking everything as prescribed, you're still symptomatic, you and your doctor should look at changing or increasing medications together. Your doctor will also be able to tell how much of this is hayfever and how much is asthma - because although they affect each other they are still treated differently.

[Flowergirl78 in reply to Xiave]

Thank you so much for the replies. My doctor said there was nothing more to give for the hayfever even though it not only affects my breathing, eyes, throat, nose and ears my skin also gets really itchy. I literally stay indoors with windows shut in the height of summer some days. I will definitely try and get through to the doctor. Thank you

[Xiave in reply to Flowergirl78]

If your doctor says they can't prescribe more (and GPs might not actually be able to - I'm not sure), then ask for a referral to an allergy consultant. Consultants can prescribe at higher doses.

[Flowergirl78 in reply to Xiave]

Thank you. Didnt know there was such a thing as an allergy consultant!