Inhalers

[Elaiworthy]

I’ve got Asthma and Bronchiectasis and I’m having problems finding an inhaler which works for me. I was on Seretide 250 for years but after two particularly bad chest infections my breathing deteriorated, courses of steroids helped slightly and I was given Spiriva Respimat and after a few days I had and asthma attack. Then changed from Seretide to Fostair 200/6, things improved but I’m still needing to use my reliever most days. I was asked to try Trelegy which caused breathing issues so I’m back to Fostair.

I was told by consultant that it’s difficult to find an inhaler which works for both conditions. Anyone else had these issues and found something that worked?

[Hidden]

I suspect that your problems are being caused by your asthma and that you should find a good asthma specialist. Inhalers are not generally recommended for bronchiectasis alone as any breathlessness is usually caused by infection and amounts of mucus in the lungs. Having said that, some of us find the steroid element of fostair helps to keep down inflammation. I do hope that you get the right thing to help you.

[Elaiworthy in reply to Hidden]

This is what I think is happening. Just struggling to find one that works.

[Hidden in reply to Elaiworthy]

That's why you need a specialist in difficult asthma. My bronch consultant works with one as they are more experienced in which drugs to give. Have a look on the internet to find an expert in asthma. Take the name to your GP and insist on a referral.

[CDPO16]

Hi, In addition to Littlepom's good advice I'm just wondering how long you have been using the Fostair as it can take a least a month to start having it's full effect. I was also told years ago to use my Ventolin 15 minutes prior to my Fostair to open up the airways. Using a spacer also helps the inhaler particles to get deeper into the lungs. Hope this helps a bit but hope too that a specialist referral will be the best route to go.

[knitter]

I find two separate inhalers work best for my asthma …..a preventer and reliever .I have tried various combination including Fostair .

However I have an appointment with a clinical pharmacist tomorrow , we will see what they say as I have COPD as well.

[MaggieB66]

Hi, I have both asthma and bronchiectasis, I'm on flutiform 250/10 4 puffs a day. It seems to be working OK for me, been on it now for 4 years. Hope you find one that works for you.

[Salisbury1]

Like you and MaggieB66, I also have both conditions and I also use flutiform 250/10 4 puffs a day. You sometimes have to try a couple before finding the right one - don't despair. I was also on seritide for awhile - worked well for the asthma, but gave me horrid headaches.

[GintyFerguson]

I have both conditions . Recently changed from spiriva, serevent and clenil modulite to fostair and incruse. That seems to be working well. Hope you find what you need.

[Rattle]

I also have both conditions and use Pulmicort as preventative inhaler for my asthma; Bricanyl as reliever.I have be on this combination for 15-20 years and it is still working well most of the time

(Gets worse during hayfever season, from some autumn/winter allergies and of course general colds can also cause flare ups)

[Elaiworthy in reply to Rattle]

Im not affected by any allergies or hay fever. I only have problems with smoke from BBQs and Log Burners and also strong odours like perfumes which affect my breathing.

[Rattle in reply to Elaiworthy]

Yes the neighbours bonfire cause me problems too; but ok with BBQs and perfumes

[Patk1]

I have asthma &bronchiectasis( plus other probs).i use fostair,cicleside and ventolin. Do u clear yr lungs of mucous ea day

[Elaiworthy in reply to Patk1]

Yes I do chest clearance everyday. X