Am I getting the right help for my asthma?

[Anjidav]

Do I need different help for my asthma? I am on symbicort 4 puffs daily. My peak flow is ok but can vary a bit. But every morning I have congestion and productive cough which leaves me shaking. I have never smoked. I have wondered about silent GERD and bronchiecstasis but doctors dont ever follow up this morning issue. It's been worse the last 6 months so when things relax a bit I plan to push the GP about this.

[Hidden]

It can change though the day. I have been on 310 to 320 every time I take it morning, afternoon and evening. I am on fostair 100/6 and it could be you have something on your lungs and the mediation is working and moving it

[twinkly29]

You could try regular gaviscon liquid to see if things improve (which would then maybe suggest silent reflux), as I would think the GP would suggest that before prescribing something anyway. But coughing in the mornings could just be normal because you've been lying down all night so sometimes chests needs clearing, it doesn't necessarily mean things aren't controlled.

Bronchiectasis is a whole other ball game I think - presumably there would a lot of repeated bacterial infections going on and a whole host of other things bedsides. I know a lot of people automatically get given antibiotics for asthma flares but most asthma flares won't actually require antibiotics. Some will of course but not all.

[Anjidav in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks very much...I should have said I take omeprazole and increased it from 10mg to 20 mg with no improvement. It would help to know this is normal for asthma sufferers. I get a very sore mid upper back which I think is the coughing too. Stay well thanks

[Poobah]

Have you considered it may be post nasal drip? Overnight nasal drip collects in the lungs and so you get a productive cough every morning. It's a very high pollen season so a runny nose or a wheeze maybe the result.

It could be GERD too. Either way you can try using a nasal steroid spray daily or an antacid, or both.

Sleeping on your back is restrictive apparently. There's quite a lot online about the best way to sleep to maximise breathing. This could also help.

Breathing exercises may also help to ensure the lungs are fully functioning. Lots of good advice online with videos by physios on YouTube.