sudden attacks?

[Giraffe91]

I’ve recently had a rough patch with Asthma.. I’m on Mart and I’m December I was using nearly all extra puffs and then I got a sore throat that lead to an attack. I’ve had pred and antibiotics at the start of the year and have been better since but still haven’t been totally controlled.

I have had a review where a suggestion to change from fostair to a red/white inhaler was made but I have already tried a red/white one and I have been better on fostair so reluctant to switch. I also had a terrible time on montelukast mentally so I don’t want to go back to that but I’m getting fed up.

I’m fine most of the time even when exercising sometimes but I out of the blue I’ve been having quite sudden problems that start with my chest feeling really itchy and tight and then coughing starts. The last one started while browsing a shop and took 4 fostair and 4 blue puffs to settle down over about 30mins. This is pretty new to me. I’m still having issues overnight sometimes but prior to this cold i was pretty well controlled.

I’m not totally germ free so I’m planning to wait until I’m fully better before asking to change something.

[Tallman55]

Good morning, sorry that you have been unwell. I am very susceptible to cold weather and have to be careful. I to had bad issues with Montlelukast, bad stomach pains and sickness. Dr said that this is quite common.I am sure things will get better.

Regards

[Troilus]

Which Fostair are you taking Giraffe? Is it the 100/6 or 200/6? If it is the 100/6 you could ask to try the 200. Also, has anyone suggested adding Spivira Respimat to your armoury?

[Giraffe91 in reply to Troilus]

I’m on 100/6 but using 6-8 puffs a day at the mo

[Troilus]

I’ll start by saying that my meds are determined by the chest clinic at the hospital. I started on 100/6 but kept having attacks. I was put on 200/6 and they stopped. I ‘m not sure exactly when Spivira Respimat was added in, but I do remember doing very well and so the Fostair was reduced back to 100/6 and then the attacks started again and I had several courses of prednisone. I was put back on 200/6 and the attacks stopped. My peak flow still drops at certain times of the year so I have a 100/6 to take in addition to try to bring it back up.

I think it would be well worth discussing your options with either your asthma nurse or GP. It is horrible feeling when you keep experiencing attacks and it can effect your confidence, especially when there are other meds that can be added in or doses adjusted to prevent them.

[Giraffe91 in reply to Troilus]

this is helpful. I’m not sure why I was told there wasn’t anything more that could be added. I feel part of it may be my reluctance to try montelukast again

[Homely2 Administrator]

They moved me when I deteriorated from fostair 100 6 mart, eight puffs, to fostair 200 6 four puffs with ventolin as the preventer. I hated the switch as while you get 4 times 200 rather than 8 times 100, you only get 4 times 6 rather than 8 times, so it did not last the day for me as the 6 bit makes it last and you have to use a lot of ventolin. They then added spiriva to make it last the day, so all now is good.

I would concentrate on looking after yourself for a while and being cautious. See if it settles, if it does not go and ask the doctor, but be careful what they switch your meds too.

[Giraffe91 in reply to Homely2]

I’m very worried about a switch. It always takes time to readjust.

[Naomi_ALUK Partner Asthma Nurse]

Hi there, please do give us a ring and chat it through - it sounds as though you are struggling at the moment and I'm sure we'll be able to think of a few ways to help. The helpline is open Monday to Friday during working hours on 0300 222 5800. Select option 3 to speak to a Respiratory Nurse Specialist.

[Kalkan63]

Oh that's not good. You sound a bit like me I'm finding it hard to control my asthma the last three years had it twelve years. Not the type of asthma where I get attacks it'd the breathlessness and wheezing bouts. Need steroids and antibiotics every few weeks not good. Do you take your peak flow regularly and keep a record? The cold weather doesn't help either and so many viruses etc going around I've had a cough for weeks. Do you see your Asthma nurse? Keep a record of your bouts where you need your relief inhaler (blue) to show them and your peak flow record. I take Flutiform which is a steroid inhaler and quite high dose. I also take Spiriva which opens your airways too maybe mention that too. Sorry if you do all this anyway. I can't take Montelukast either I had side effects including a dry cough, stomach pain and rapid heart rate. I'm seeing a specialist today actually the Asthma nurse said probably might trial injections. It's so difficult to deal with this isn't it day to day. Go back to your GP/ Asthma nurse and explain how you've been and maybe need a referral. Took me years for my GP to refer me and to be honest all these years my health has affected eveything. Hope you get all this under control and feel better your quality of life is most important. All the best

[Giraffe91 in reply to Kalkan63]

I don’t really bother with peak flow to be honest. I’m worried about being referred because I’m rarely at home with work and other things. They are pretty understanding of it and I do see them when I need to. I’ve seen the gp and followed up with asthma nurse. To be honest they do seem quite supportive but perhaps not that knowledgeable on what to do next.

[coral12]

What's Matt?

[DollyDutchGirl in reply to coral12]

Hi Coral 12 - instead of Matt, I think you may be referring to Mart (MART) - that means Maintenance and Relief Therapy. Anybody who has been advised to use their inhaler on MART, would be using a steroid inhaler i.e. Fostair 200/6 - two inhalations morning and two at night plus, up to four more inhalations throughout the day. If that doesn’t ease the attack - according to my Consultant, the next port of call is 111 - 999. Hope that helps….