Weaning off inhalers

[jeffbird]

Hi there,

I was diagnosed with asthma last year and had lung function tests recently. I got a letter from the consultant saying that I don’t have asthma and to wean off the inhalers.

I appreciate that I shouldn’t ask for medical advice here but I haven’t a clue how to do this.

I’m currently on flutiform 2 puffs twice daily, I was thinking to drop to 1 puff twice daily and see how that feels after a fortnight. I will maybe ring the go tomorrow and see if I can ask for a call with the asthma nurse.

Thanks

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Hi Jeff, yes it's probably best to ask your GP/asthma nurse. You could also try the AUK nurses on 0300 2225800 M-F 9-5 WhatsApp - 07378 606728 if you have any problems getting hold of GP/asthma nurse or they're not helpful.

Really the consultant should have explained how to do it if he wanted you to wean off. Did he explain specifically why he thinks you don't have asthma? (Obviously I'm not in a position to contradict him, but it would probably be helpful for you if you understood what he was basing it on!)

[jeffbird in reply to Lysistrata]

Thanks Lysistrata,The letter just said that. No further details. I’ll try the surgery & thanks for those further contact details.

[Poobah in reply to jeffbird]

I agree that your asthma nurse or Asthma UK will help on the way to wean off your prescribed meds.

I take it that you had breathing problems that prompted the inhaler prescription? Did you benefit from the inhalers? If you did and the breathing problems return while you decrease the inhaler dosage I would promptly highlight the return of the breathing symptoms with your GP and asthma nurse. 🤞 that everything will go well. All the best.

[jeffbird in reply to Poobah]

Thanks, I'm waiting for a call back from the GP this morning. I had asked to speak to the asthma nurse as she is lovely & seems more knowledgeable. She sorted out the inhaler as I was having breathing issues post covid. I will keep an eye on symptoms, there is definitely something not quite right in my left lung still.

[twinkly29 in reply to jeffbird]

It could well be that the issues were (and still are) linked to having had covid. But Poobah's advice to keep an eye on things and contact the GP or nurse as you wean off/once you've stopped them if things get worse is sensible. I imagine if it's post covid issues they wouldn't get noticeably worse but if it was asthma then they would. But of course talk to someone about any concerns however minor you feel they might be.

[Poobah in reply to jeffbird]

Covid breathing problems are different to asthma, however, some asthma meds treat symptoms rather than the root cause of asthma so it may be that your inhaler will have been of help and you'll only know once you start to reduce your daily dose. If you're still feeling that there's an ongoing issue in one lung it may be prudent to request an x-ray, just to rule out damage or infection. Doctors continue to play catch up with covid and I believe that new clinics are being set up to care for covid patients ongoing symptoms.

[juneflo53]

Good that you had your lung tests Jeff. How long does it take - I've got my appointment in May. Can't help with your question but the advice here is best I think - speak to GP.

[Melanie1989]

Hi Jeff, definetly agree with Lysistrata about contacting AUK and your g.p. Obviously we don't know your full history, but if the consultant is going off the lung function results alone, then this alone wouldn't necessarily disprove asthma.

Normal lung function can show your inhalers are working well or you were not symptomatic at the time. You definetly need a plan in place for coming off the medications and what to do if your symptoms come back.

Being diagnosed, then withdrawing that diagnosis without any explanation isn't very helpful!