I have been using Fostair and then was prescribed Montelukast and my Asthma was well controlled, I have for the last couple of months felt Asthma symptoms at night and have had to use my Ventolin.
I am going to speak with my asthma nurse this week but would like to know what she may prescribe is Fostair 100 for mild asthma should I ask for a stronger one, also is Ventolin for mild asthma should I try something stronger one,
I am 60 is it to be expected your asthma may get worse and its normal to need your prescription tweaked a but.
I would like to be prepared as my Doctors are not the easiest to talk with and question you if you ask for something.
Thanks
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blackmememe
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Firstly does your Fostair 100 come under the MART regime? Mine certainly does, it's it's the MDI/ spray type which means I can use up to 8 puffs per day and use a spacer. This almost negates any need for Ventolin (for me.) MART stands for Maintenance and Reliever Therapy so both preventer and reliever. I dont know if the powdered one is also MART so check the leaflet if yours is powder. Personally I'm very pleased with mine and rarely need ventolin (or the Salamol I'm forced forced to have now), the prescription is two puffs morning an evening plus 4 extra puffs if necessary in 24 hours.
Actually, in a good summer one puff morning and evening is sufficient but last night I was wheezy due temperature drop so time to up it.
Read up on the MART regime for discussion with doc. In my opinion the Fostair 250 is quite a leap but of course we're all different.
Thank you, I was given a spacer when first put on Fostair which made me ill as its the powder type, I have never had it explained to me and have never heard of MART just prescribed both and left to muddle through but I will ask about this, I am now on meds for high blood pressure which has brought it down but have read it can effect asthma as it works against what the inhalers are meant to do
Ah, so its deffo powder you've got. Spacers are only for the spray type, I don't know what they were thinking giving you a spacer with a powder inhaler. It's always advisable to thoroughly read the leaflets that come with medications. Always informative about the actual med but also tell you what you can't take or mix them with.....GPs don't always check the meds a person's on can work with eachother). I always keep one leaflet of every med I'm prescribed & keep in my box of meds for future reference (I'd never remember it all)!
I also take BP meds but I've never heard of it interfering with inhalers. Eeek, I shall have to look into that. That question you could get answered by the pharmacist - I shall ask my pharmacist about BP med & inhalers (because I can never get a look in at my crap surgery).
I'm going to look up now if your powdered Fostair 100 is in the MART regime. I'll edit this with what I find. P
EDIT: It looks as though both powder Nexthaler 100 and MDI/spray type are on the MART regime ⤵️
Yes I started on Ventolin we had a huge amount of work going on in our house damp, cold using electric fires for heat and my asthma started I was on Ventolin and was good then the new doctor put me on Fostair powder with the spacer and it nearly killed me as I was getting no medication as should have no spacer ,I will ask about MART but sounds like you have very good GP,s I last had Steroids in Dece😠mber 2023 for Nasal polyps and Senisitus they wont now give for chest infection to many in 10 months ok I will just die then
Oh I've had no help from my GP surgery for years, no asthma review since 2019. I've learnt everything I know from others.I had a similar start to my bad times 5 bouts of pneumonia, endless chest infections and different antibiotics over 3 years until one good gp referred me to respiratory consultant in SW London. I've since moved to the West, On reflection the bad times started after a soaked Victorian wall was knocked down. I pipe had been leaking in the wall between bathroom & bedroom. The daft inexperienced builder had windows closed and all the doors open while he cleaned off the old mortar from each brick to 'save' them. All done inside. I think the damp, mould spores and dust was a huge trigger. At hospital told a strong allergy to mould and mild allergy to aspergillus (a nasty fungus). I also did loads of serious DIY myself over the years - without a mask 🙄. We really have to look after our & our family's lungs. Good luck Gill & take care. Penelope
I'm slightly confused by using a powder inhaler with a spacer as they don't fit with each other? The picture is above is a Fostair dry powder inhaler, if that is the one you have a spacer will not fit and the gp should know that
Ring the asthma UK helpline on 0300 2225800, office hours. They are great, and will go through it all with you. They are all experienced asthma nurses.
Everyone is different and only your doctor or asthma nurse can advise on medication. I myself have Fostair 100, montelukast and also Spiriva respimat. But as I say, we’re all different and need our medication tailored to our own needs. Have a good talk with your asthma nurse, I’m sure they’ll get you sorted.
Salbutamol is the usual reliever for asthma and many of us are also on mart regime,as peege explained,with fostair.fostair 100 is more effective thn many ' stronger' steroid inhalers as its molecules are much smaller and more therefore gets absorbed.the temperature has dropped here frm early evening+ overnt which may cause asthma to worsen,along with damp weather.do use salbutamol as soon as asthma symptoms start.perhaps u could ask about mart regime
I am on Fostair 100 and Montelukast. My asthma was quite poorly controlled before, went to being okay and now due to the colder nights. I also get asthma symptoms.
I think it’s right that if you can get support from your GP/Asthma nurse, that would be the best place to go. Especially if weather and colds etc, effect you like they effect me. (Chest infection every winter). So I would honestly recommend speaking to a medical professional
Hi On Fostair 100/6 mdi mart. The mart feature is useful I am at max 4 and 4 with spacer due to Whooping cough ( lots of it about so take care) . Need to reduce puffs to get back to 2&2. Tricky as I am in the 2/ 3rd stage of pertussis.
I have been offered montelukast but declined it however after reading others positive reviews I will look into it.
Hi, Hope you are feeling better, I rang my GP this morning feeling awful, coughing, tight chest and temperature I asked for a couse of antipiotics and steroids and was told not over the phone you have to come in, I have been with them the 20 years I have had asthma and constantly have to fight for what I want, I must say Montelukast for me has been amazing for months did not have to use my blue reliver just not been good the lsat few weeks I will ask about MART, take care
How often do you take the fostair? I often take one puff morning and evening then step it up to two when I need to. I have occasionally taken more if I need it - the step up step down approach. When my asthma is bad I do sometimes find taking ventolin before taking the fostair helps - leaving 5 -10 minutes between.
Thunderstorms can make asthma worse. Asthma can vary overtime. I have some allergies which make it worse at certain times of the year.
I have 2 x puffs twice a day , do you get relief from just the one puff as I have always read 2 x puffs twice a day, I think my asthma has just gotten worse as I hit 60 along with the aches and pains : )
Hi, yes one puff of Fostair 100/6 twice a day is often okay for me. However my asthma worsens at certain times of the year because allergies. I am allergic to birch pollen, and hazel, grass and some weeds such as mugwort, plus pollution from bonfires, diesel smoke etc, and then take two twice a day. I find it helpful to keep a peak flow chart. I'm 72yrs. Our bodies do change over time and we are all different.
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