Has anyone had arythmia? I think mine is being brought on by the fostair. Also a symptom of arythmia (irregular heartbeat) can be breathless and fatigue. Would your peak flow still drop if your breathlessness was a heart issue and not an asthma issue. I’ve been saying my asthma has changed this last year with bouts of breathlessness and my inhaler not making much of a difference.
Wondering if anyone had any similar experience?
Certain inhalers, such as Fostair, can affect potassium levels (reduce them) in some patients, leading to heart arrhythmia and/or hypertension which should never be ignored. If you check the Fostair patient leaflet it does indicate that your doctor should monitor your potassium. So definitely contact your GP in order to discuss and seek tests.
You may be able to rectify the situation by eating potassium rich foods daily, however you may require prescribed supplements. Your doctor should monitor your progress.
Agreeing with poobah on the potassium front, but I’d also advise asking for a heart check but to rule out a cardio cause for your symptoms. And no your PF wouldn’t necessarily drop for a cardio issue.
That’s what I’m thinking as sometimes i feel really breathless walking around the house check my peak flow and it’s only dropped slightly. Which confuses me.
I have been telling my surgery about my arythmia being picked up and have often felt when I’m saying I’m breathless I’m being made to feel like I’m faking it because my peak flow isn’t dropping too much. Or because my chest sounds clear.
I’m still waiting for a referral for the asthma specialist as when I get breathless I often use my blue inhaler which isn’t helpful sometimes but raises my heart rate massively. I was sent home from a and e with a pulse of 140 last summer and told good luck even though I was really breathless and unwell.
I know I have asthma as I can have standard symptoms but I’ve been saying this last year this doesn’t feel like my normal asthma to my asthma nurse and she’s started saying it’s anxiety. Which I know what my anxiety feels like as I hyperventilate which isn’t the same as being breathless. When I say my chest feels tight it’s as if the inside has less space for air and hurts inside of it.
I’m trying to book an appointment with my gp but I feel everything just gets fobbed off at the minute. I had bloods done for fatigue but they came back fine and nothing else happens no follow up. Potential diabetes wasn’t picked up for a couple of months until I had an asthma review and told to redo bloods.
Sorry for the rant I’m just sick of keep feeling unwell and tired and feeling like it’s pointless going to a and e for asthma when the asthma nurse says to go for a flare up plus asking about other issues and just being left and no full reviews happening. Hopefully with a cardiologist referral I might have some answers to exactly what’s asthma and what’s not
Arythmia is a common side effect for all ics/laba and saba therapies, breathless and fatigue may be caused by arythmia.
Hi Leigh,Sorry you’ve been feeling so rubbish. 🤗
I feel your frustration and can empathise with your experiences; when you feel that you’re not being believed by doctors and what you’re experiencing doesn’t match the ‘norm’ and you don’t feel like you’re getting anywhere.
My peak flow doesn’t alter much either, even when I’m short of breath. Also my SAT’s ok and chest clear. It’s very frustrating and confusing isn’t it? Hence the feeling of being fake 😩. What’s strange though is that every time I’ve been to doctors with breathing difficulties but not ‘passing’ any of the tests i,e, ok peak flow, no wheeze, as above etc, I’ve always been given steroids. Then Ive been left feeling confused and upset that I don’t somehow match up to what’s expected of someone with asthma. Hope it helps to know you’re not on your own.
I don’t have anything else useful to add, but I always used to get a pounding heart after taking DuoResp Spiromax 320/9 and also when I was on symbicort inhalers. It lasted for about 5 mins I think then went off. I don’t get any of this from Fostair. I’m on 100/6 dose, maybe it’s not as strong. 🤷🏻♀️Good luck with cardio appointment.
I only recently started fostair but aren’t particularly pleased as i get shaky and anxious all day & increased heart rate and palpitations. Think i’m going to try switch back to clenil
Confused re peak flow
If my peak flow has always been low what will spirometry reveal?
lateral flow test at Christmas 
