Asthma

[Philipe91]

Hello, i am 29 years old and I am starting to get breathless very often, especially in spring and summer. In fact i always struggled a bit more in hot weather to perform or breath properly but i thought it was normal kind of thing??

My doctor gave me a peak flow meter and i noticed that my readings were about 550. I am around 175 cm and 30 years old male so a bit under the normality. I was prescribed steroids for a few days and my mark went up to 640 which i think its my best and i was feeling very good. Now i am starting with inhaled corticoids accuhaler fluticasone 200 microgrames twice a day but it doesnt seem to help if i dont take prednisolone and my Peak flow goes down again and i dont perform well at work, i dont sleep great and dont feel happy. I dont know if its because i dont use the inhaler meds properly as i am using the powder but i make sure i do the right technique but dont really see results and losing motivation. I was using evohaler flixotide but at a very small dose two 50 puffs twice a day so i swapped to the accuhaler 100. What works best for you? I have heard about Montelukast. I have appointment with the doctor on the 18th this month but its so frustrating having to wait.

Am i able to call my medical centre for them to attend me sooner or giving me something stronger?

I would spreciate your help

Thank you

[Gareth57]

It can take a couple of months for inhalers to properly get into your system, so frustrating as it is if you have just started to use them some patience is needed, alternatively if you are passed that there are many different inhalers so it could be a case of finding the one that works for you.

[twinkly29]

Was just about to say exactly what Gareth has said - it takes several weeks for the preventer inhalers to kick in properly so if you've not been on it very long you may just have to ride it out at the moment. Of course call your GP or nurse for advice if you're struggling but taking something stronger in terms of inhaler if this hasn't had time to kick in won't help as that will also take a while to kick in and may not be needed.

Are you taking antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays? Those might be worth adding in at the moment though.

[Poobah]

Looks like you're just on a steroid inhaler and as others have said, they take a good 8 to 12 weeks to become effective. I would say that you'd see some improvement by 8 weeks and at that point see your doctor to discuss the efficacy if the treatment.It may be that you need the dose tweaking or the doctor may wish to add another medication to your regime.

There are combination inhalers that contain both steroids and a long acting bronchodilator, the latter working up to 12 hours in order to reduce any residual inflammation.

Montelukast is good for allergies and is taken once a day. So, from what you say, your symptoms are worse in the spring and summer, which may indicate seasonal allergies, so Montelukast may help if these are your asthma triggers. Again it will take at least 4 weeks to know if it's having a positive effect and this should be reviewed by your doctor or asthma nurse.

The aim of asthma treatments is to relieve the patient of symptoms and allow them to be symptom free on a day to day basis (doesn't always happen if the disease is severe and difficult to control), but for many this is achievable. Annual reviews are part of the protocol to ensure that the treatment prescribed is effective and to make adjustments, if necessary.

Trial and error is often the only way the patient will find their ideal treatment package. It can be frustrating but not every asthma med suits every patient, hence the need to try new meds and review after 4, 8 or 12 weeks. Often a combination of meds will be required.

Finally, Prednisolone is a systemic steroid and comes with side effects, and the higher the dose and the longer we take it, the more risk there is for side effects. Inhaled steroids are less problematic and are more targeted, so they are ideal for asthma maintenance, whereas Pred is suitable for flare ups and emergency treatment, unless one's asthma is quite severe and difficult to control. It doesn't sound like your asthma requires ongoing Pred treatment, which is a huge positive.

[Hidden]

Hi do you take any antihistamines by any chance? This could be something you may need to add or discuss with your doctor.

[miquelet1981]

My actual base treatment is Symbicort 80 4.5 + Montelukast + Cetirizin. I can tell you, that 2 years ago, I was with Seretide (fluticasone + laba), and when I changed to Symbicort, was like night and day. A lot better now. The good thing about symbicort is that you can do SMART treatment, and use it also like a relief med. I went from 500PF to 640PF in more or less 2 months. I recommend you to ask for a inhaler with a combination of steroids + bronchodilator (seretide, symbicort...). It helps a lot.

[Beetle53]

Hi as everyone has said you have to try the meds for a while to let them have a long term affect. I suggest you ask about antihistamines etc you can buy over the counter but better to be perscribed if taking long term. Ive taken them all year round for decades... I'm also on montelukast which helps me... again worth a try... and nasal spray and inhalers. Many asthmatics are on lots of meds but if it leads to a better quality of life it's worth it, in my opinion.

Think we'll all agree steroids such as pred do make you feel much better short term but aren't a long term solution for most.

It's a vicious circle till things even out... Especially as lack of sleep affects everything.🙄

Stick with it and things will improve.🙂

[Philipe91]

Thank you for your responses i will ask about the antihistaminic and all. Also i think i need to get experience with the inhalers. As sometimes i realize that i didnt let all air out before using the spacer, inhale too quick or i fail to seal the mouth. I will let you know how things are i am happy that you are doing great with your asthma.

Thanks

😀