symbicort 200 user

[Cougher1001]

Over 2 months ago I was dx with asthma, bronchitis and lower right pneumonia. My lungs were shit. I have been taking symbicort 2puffs 2x daily. Also taking Monttelukast 10 mg 1x a day. So if an expert or MD is in here I want to say I quit taking the symbicort completely and feel better not taking it. Has it done it’s job and don’t need it any more for now? Lungs have cleared up and coughing is almost nonexistent….. thanks for any input

[Bevvy]

Hi. Firstly to say we all have asthma here and many of us have additional health issues. We are not doctors or medically trained. Through experience we offer each other support and suggestions. This is a support group and should be viewed as such. If you want medical opinion the asthma nurses can be contacted via helpline (0300 2225800) but am not sure if you are in UK and that is a UK number.

On to your original question. Personally I would question anyone making an asthma diagnosis when the person has a serious chest infection. It would be impossible to know and even tests would be inconclusive. As such it maybe that the inhaler supported you whilst you were poorly and now it’s unnecessary. Same as with the montelukast. BUT as said we are not doctors here and I STRONGLY recommend that you see your gp. Gp can arrange additional tests to see if you are actually asthmatic and whether or not inhalers and montelukast will help. I do think you are being a little unwise stopping your inhaler without medical attention. You may feel better at this time but actually are at risk of an asthma attack (if you do have asthma) which could be serious.

[Cougher1001 in reply to Bevvy]

I’ve been dx with asthma since a little boy(now 63) it’s just that I realized that recently when I take the symbocort that it makes me feel really bad, like I don’t do anything for the whole day. As soon as I was off it I’m back to feeling normal. I’m am just on my way after traveling to my new country and town in Canada. As soon as I can I will get a pulmonologist and see them. Between now and then if I feel bad again I’ll go back on it. I forgot to add that I was dx with COPD also. But as for now I feel normal again. I might also add that I have 2 different rescue inhalers the ER gave me.

[Poobah in reply to Cougher1001]

If you feel "normal" are you saying you're not dependent on the rescue inhalers? If you are taking any rescue inhaler more than a couple of times a week, your respiratory disease (COPD or asthma or both) isn't controlled and you need a preventer inhaler that suits you. There are options other than Symbicort. Hope your move goes well and you find a good pulmonary doctor.

[Homely2 Administrator]

It can take a preventer inhaler, several weeks to get fully into your system and become fully effective.

So simply stopping taking the preventer inhaler and assuming it will be fully effective immediately you start taking it again, seems relatively risky if you have any form of bad asthma.

If symbicort does not suit you, there are plenty of alternatives to try.

You need to see a medic as soon as you can, and agree whether you need to be taking a preventer inhaler and if so, which one.

[Cougher1001 in reply to Homely2]

I had taken the preventer for 3 months. Now, haven’t used rescue inhaler for at least 3 weeks or the symbocort. As soon as planted in Canada I’ll get right on the health system. We both have jobs to get on 😉

[PaulRosedene]

Bevvy has made some very good points. You could ask for a lung function test. The lung function is tested before and after ventolin. If your lung doesn't respond to ventolin, you aren't asthmatic - that's my understanding.

[Gareth57 in reply to PaulRosedene]

To my thinking this is something that should be routine and I don't know how a diagnosis can be made without this basic test that any GP can carry out, all you need is a peak flow meter and Ventolin! My brother was diagnosed as asthmatic with no tests only to find he had AF instead!

[PaulRosedene in reply to Gareth57]

I don't know if they diagnose asthma just using the peak flow test. I had asthma for fifty years before I had a lung function test. But it's a much more sophisticated reading than just the peak flow meter.

[Gareth57 in reply to PaulRosedene]

Yes, I was 45 before I was re diagnosed after an asthma free spell and it was confirmed (by an asthmatic doctor) using the peak flow reversibility test, which is a good start, but how many people with a tight chest and breathing difficulties are being misdiagnosed all for the sake of giving someone Ventolin and waiting outside while the doctor examines his next patient.

[Keem59]

Hi...Have you always taken both Montelukast and Symbicort? I take both of these too ..and I've got severe fixed airways asthma, Eosinophilic Asthma and Bronchiectasis. You might feel better to start with, but maybe time will tell how long you can be without them. I'd always seek the knowledge of a consultant before you stop anything..that's just my opinion.

[Cougher1001 in reply to Keem59]

Thank you and I will reach out to a pulmonologist as soon as I can. I feel a lot better without the symbocort so I’ll do what ever the MD says tho. Thanks for your response😀

[Ossing]

Hi, I am on a routine daily dose of Symbicort during good times and two or three daily doses on bad times. With Asthma, there's no "one size fits all". You participate in your treatment by knowing yourself. I have learned when to increase or decrease my Symbicort intake depending on how serious my condition is. Be a participatory agent in managing whatever health conditions you face. My asthma is associated with coughing or bronchitis that takes longer to subside.

Always inform your family doctor or asthma specialist before stopping your medications. In my case, I am on a holistic treatment approach. I have a twice week pulmonary revalidation therapy in addition to the asthma and bronchial treatment.

Please work out a treatment and follow up plan with your health care providers.

[Cougher1001 in reply to Ossing]

I’m going to ask about your treatment…. Can you tell me what it involves?

[Ossing]

I am on Symbicort turbo two puffs morning and evening daily but the doses could be increased to thrice daily when very sick. I am also on Omeprazol 20mg for reflux and Nasonex nasal spray once a day. I have pulmonary revalidation therapy twice a week. I consult a doctor when I cough for more than a week. The doctor then decides whether or not to put me on Medro 32 mg for a specific period of time.

The doctor always asks for a spirometry test before before consultation.

As I earlier said, asthma treatment is not a "one size fits all".

[teddyd]

I am confused. You said that 2 months ago you were diagnosed with asthma bronchitis and pneumonia, but on a reply you said you have had asthma since you were a child. Maybe I have just misunderstood. I think stopping medication can be dangerous without discussion with your GP or consultant. Its certainly not something I would consider as the consequencessnd /outcome is something I dont want to think about xx