Do I still have asthma?

[crille]

Hi,I was diagnosed with asthma some ten years ago after having moved to a new environment.

During the first winter, we renovated our "new"house (actually some 15 years old). It was a lot of building dust flying about. One morning on awakening, I had trouble breathing so off I went to the hospital where I was told after some tests that I had asthma (at age 66). I was put on Seretide inhaler for the first years and never had any more breathing problems. Was also given a "rescue" inhaler, Salbutamol, which I never have had a need to use. A few years ago, my pulmonologist changed my medication to Relvar Ellipta 92/22. I have a yearly revision and all tests are very good. Have now been on Relvar for almost five years and still, never an attack of asthma. I have been told by my Doctor that with an adult onset asthma, it is uncurable. But I think that I have somehow got rid of the asthma, as I never feel anything wrong with my lungs. Am I cured?

[Homely2 Administrator]

I would not used the word, cured.

You sound like your asthma is very much under control and long may it stay like this.

Is it time to have a chat with your medic about finding out if you can reduce your medicine levels safely under proper supervision.

Staying on more drugs than you need is never a good idea.

[crille in reply to Homely2]

Thanks for your thoughts, Homely2. Yes, I think that I need to speak to my Doctor if I can reduce my medication. And if so, that is a very good start. The less medication, the better (as long as the asthma is under controll.

[peege]

Your asthma may not be as bad as it used to be, on the other hand it may well be very well controlled. I honestly wouldn't be messing about with changing or halting inhalers at this time of year Crilly.

[crille in reply to peege]

I think you are right peege. It is a serious health issue, even when well controlled.

[Mandevilla in reply to peege]

Yes, I would be inclined to leave things as they are until the spring and ask your surgery for a review then. Most of us struggle more in winter than summer, so starting to reduce medication now seems a bit risky to me!

[crille in reply to Mandevilla]

Good advice. I better leave it as is for now. Summer is most likely a better time to see if I can reduce my Relvar. Thanks for your thoughts, Mandevilla!