what next?

[Rosewren]

Hello, I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma in Jan 2022 and since then have tried various inhalers. I’m currently on Luforbec using the MART regime, so twice a day as standard and then when needed before exercise. I’ve also been taking Montelukast for the last six months. However my asthma still isn’t controlled.

I’m 41 and identified asthma as a potential issue during Covid. Pre Covid I was training for the 2020 London Marathon, so did a lot of cardio with no issue. Now I struggle to walk at a brisk pace without pain and tightness and an incessant cough.

I’m just not sure what my next steps are. I haven’t seen the asthma nurse in a while, but when I do I get the sense they just think I’m not doing something correctly and that my asthma should be under control with the meds I’m on. I’m finding it all very disheartening and it’s impacting my mental as well as physical health

I’m hoping someone here might have some advice. Thanks.

[Homely2 Administrator]

Getting asthma under control after diagnosis is easy for some and harder for others ie it is a journey, with ups and downs.

I am lucky in that I have always had good asthma nurses, I also use the asthma UK helpline a bit, before appointments, so I know what I am asking for

To me, your next steps are probably trying different medication, so I would ring the asthma uk helpline on 0300 2225800, office hours, to get an idea of what is worth trying. Then make an appointment with your medic for a medicine review to discuss.

For me, some people prefer the branded version of luforbec 100, which is fostair 100. Get your asthma nurse to check your spacer technique as well. Also maybe discuss whether you should be using your blue inhaler or the luforbec pre exercise. Also maybe check out where you exercise, I cannot exercise in a dusty hall or out in the open, but I can in a wood. We are all different, some people are the opposite to me.

Then if nothing basic like this works you could progress up to a wide range of inhalers.

Ie there are loads of things to try, but you need to try them after discussion with your medic as asthma can be very scary, so you cannot just let an unhelpful medic put you off.

If your medic cannot or will not sort it you will need to be referred to an asthma clinic.

So ring the helpline for ideas and then continue the marathon that is asthma

[Rosewren in reply to Homely2]

That’s really helpful, thanks. I spent some time chatting to one of the clinicians on the helpline this afternoon, which has given me a plan of next steps.

[Patk1]

Ru on a salbutamol inhaler as a reliever? Yr mart regime may well not be enough and salbutamol/ventolin is a great bronchodilater usually given for asthma .I'd request an early appointment at drs, as u need help x

[PaulRosedene]

Have you been seen by a chest consultant ? If not, I would insist on this.

Do you have any idea what may be factors in your asthma ? Time of year, new house, changes in lifestyle, time of day, pets, food triggers etc.

[cutiepie01]

If you had covid . One of long term symptoms is breathing issues. I would try a second opinion on a pulmonologist to see what they can do . My daughter has very bad asthma her excersing is all inside like a stationery bike. Or yoga. Meditation. Deep breathing is key focusing on breathing exercises. Blowing up a balloon

[DannyQ]

Hi As someone else mention about luforbec your is actually a generic of fostair, I would definitely recommend you speak to your asthma nurse requesting you want to try fostair. There are plenty of people within the forum who have had issues using Luforbec.

I'm on fostair 100/6 and it was game changer for myself after 27 years of trying to control my asthma. It may not work for you but when you find the right one you will know.

I would recommend when your not feeling right with your asthma just ring to speak to your asthma nurse as it is very scary to begin with but you will get there, we have all been there in one way or another, this is why the forum is so much help to us all

[runcyclexcski]

I got asthma 20 years ago after viral pneumonia, and EIB was one of issues. Prior to that, I ran marathons, too. Since then I only have been able to exercise while being on Xolair and de-sensitization shots against specific allergens (which I was allergic to before the asthma). It is possible that an inhaled steroid (there are different ones) can bring it under control. Just do not stop taking it once you get better. I now always exercise in a respirator (when it's warm outside) or I exercise at home in controlled environment, breathing purified and humidified air.

One would think, running a marathon in London would be a serious threat for an asthmatic...