Changed inhaler.

[Freddy1973]

I have been using seretide 125 evohaler for nearly twelve months,and started to have headaches.My doctor has now changed the seretide to symbicort 100/6 turbohaler.Has anyone had similar problem?

[twinkly29]

It could be literally anything that is causing your headaches I guess - seems a bit random for them to decide to change asthma meds on that basis, unless you had other issues with your asthma of course.

Changing your inhaler is worth a go - but bear in mind you'll now have about 8 weeks waiting for the new one to kick in (again not an issue or reason not to do it but just something to remember as often people then think their asthma is worse for a short while..... it's not as such, it's that the new inhaler isn't fully effective for several weeks).

[Freddy1973 in reply to twinkly29]

Thank you for your reply.I also have sinus issues as well..It is all telephone appointments with the doctors,so it is harder to get a diagnosis.

[twinkly29 in reply to Freddy1973]

Honestly phone appointments won't give you anything different to a face to face. Yes someone could listen to a chest (in asthma issues) but asthma is variable so symptoms may not be present at the right time, and many asthmatics don't wheeze anyway). But otherwise it can all be done over the phone. Tests for asthma can also be normal and not rule out asthma.

Sinus wise though....

- NeilMed Sinus Rinse used regularly is really good for sinuses

- are you on a steroid nasal spray? If not it might be worth asking about one as this should help with sinus issues.

[Freddy1973 in reply to twinkly29]

Thank you for your reply.Yes I use sterimar nasal spray, and fluticasone nasal spray.

[Bevvy]

Just to say first thing that should be checked if increase of headaches is your eyesight. When did you last have eyes checked? Could be need glasses or new prescription. Opticians ARE open but too many people not visiting when checks should be done every 2 years.

[Poobah]

Have your headaches now reduced with the change of inhaler? If not, how far in to use of the Seretide inhaler did the headaches start? 6 weeks, 6 months or more recently? Are you on other meds that could be the culprit? Some asthma inhalers can raise blood pressure which can cause headaches, so depending on your age/weight it may be prudent to get your BP checked. If you do get your eyes checked, as Bevvy has suggested, the optician may pick up any signs of high BP.

Or it could be as simple as being low on Vitamin D, especially if you have had insufficient exposure to the sun since lockdowns began last year. None of us get enough sun during the winter months as the sun is not strong enough in the northern hemisphere. Low VitD can cause headaches.

Definitely go back to your doctor if the headaches persist.