Hi everyone, 22 y/o m here. Been upped to 8 puffs of fostair 200/6 for 2 days because I'm having a flare up. Peaks flows been all over place. Best is 550. Attached a screenshot of pef. Get breathlessness hoovering and coming up my stairs. Even laughing and reading seems to trigger it
Also I have no idea of the severity of my asthma or whether or not I should be shielding as the drs here are clueless about asthma had to argue to get my inhaler changed in first place.
Written by
Dl98
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi, Sorry your asthma isn’t good just now. Are you needing your ventolin lots too or is it just Fostair? ...I don’t mean just Fostair because 8 puffs is lots, but rather are you needing vent on top ? I think you need to speak to a different doctor...you might need a course of steroids and they might be able to give you different, or step up your meds for a bit.
Someone else will be along soon I’m sure who will probably be able to offer more advice! Or you could try ringing asthma U.K. helpline for advice!
I have to agree with madon above. That is a lot of Fostair you taking, it might help with the inflammation but not with your breathlessness, blue Inhaler if you have one is better to use as Fostair when struggling so much. I too would definitely speak to a different GP if possible and get maybe steorids with antibiotics to get the inflammation out and the Infection you probably getting, with those flare ups it sounds like it that you need medication to get it under control again. If not call the Asthma nurse here on the forum, they extremely helpful. I wish you all the best that, you getting well again. Let us know what happened. Take care and stay safe and warm 🍀🍀🍀🍀
Agree you need to speak to your doctor. Your peak flow drops aren't huge (though obviously an indicator of something) and you've been advised to increase your inhaled steroids which is fine but if that's not helping then you may need oral ones to settle it (all extra steroids can take a few days to kick in but am not sure how quickly increased inhaled steroids take when increased as you've been advised). Although possibly not antibiotics as they should only be given acutely if signs of bacterial infection not just "for asthma".
As madonbrew said, do you also have ventolin? If so, does it help with the symptoms? Useful to use as evidence for GP whether it helps or not.
ALUK_NursesPartnerAdministratorALUKAsthma Nurse in reply to Dl98
Hi Dl98, totally agree with what the others have advised here, please speak to your GP or 111 today as you may need some medication (oral steroids) to calm your airways down quickly and prevent an attack. asthma.org.uk/advice/manage... Please feel free to ring the AUK helpline nurses when you are feeling better to discuss how to prevent future flare ups - 0300 2225800 M-F 930-445.
Because PF tends to measure larger airway issues, but with asthma it can affect the smaller airways first. So we feel it but it’s not reflected in our scores. As AUK have said, our plans are based on symptoms as well as PF. Having symptoms indicates a lack of control
I’d really do suggest giving the AUK helpline a call. The nurses are great and can be reached on 0300 2225800 M-F 9-5. Alternatively their WhatsApp service is 07378 606728.
That’s a lot of fostair.Do you space it out through the day as it works better for me when I increase my doses with a flare but I was told to do it for 5 days max and if there’s no improvement I take my rescue meds (I take them earlier if it doesn’t level off after 3 days )even the rescue preds can take a couple of days before I start seeing an improvement.I would def talk to my dr again though as it does sound like you need additional meds
Try telling my old drs before that lol. Managed to get an appointment with a dr that I actually like and may be slightly unrelated but all the other drs thought I had ibs and just left me to deal with it. This new one found out it was gerd and sorted it within a week. I'm worried they're gonna say you don't sound breathless and are speaking full sentences
Basically the meds they’ve given you are usually prescribed for allergic asthma and post nasal drip.
I take montelukast ,steroid nasal spray and fexofenadine (it’s a stronger antihistamine than cetirizine tabs I used to take from the pharmacy)
The montelukast can have some strange side effects like wierd dreams so I take mine on a morning as I have trouble sleeping generally and they work fine for me
I’m sure someone more medically minded can explain how they all work together but they work wonders for me along with the fostair 100/6 and spiriva .I’ve only had to take my emergency preds twice last year spring and autumn which is generally when my hay fever triggers are around
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.