Asthma

[Lupaal]

Hi, After tests etc the doctors have decided I have asthma, not copd. I have been given an inhaler but I still cough a lot at night. Can I ask how long it takes for the medication to really take effect? Have been on it since last Thursday.

[Biker88]

I assume you have had x-ray, CT scan and broncoscopy which are need to diagnose emphysema and chronic bronchitis the two conditions that are COPD. If they haven’t told you which one you have ask. Coughing at night is very often caused when we lay down, mucus in the lungs then drains to the back or side of the lungs which causes the coughing. I have emphysema and Aspergillosis and have to sleep in a semi sitting position as if I lay flat the coughing starts. Have you been given a preventer inhaler, reliever inhaler or a combination of both. A preventer inhaler may take to a while for the effect to build up but a reliever should be very quick but only last for a short time.

[Lupaal in reply to Biker88]

Chest x ray, spirometry and peak flow tests. I have atrial fibrillation abd am awaiting latest echo results. I have a dual purpose inhaler.

[helenlw7]

I was diagnosed in 2012 with Asthma after coughing a lot, both day and night. After x rays and ct scans I was also diagnosed with bronchiecstasis. I was prescribed with Montelukast to take at night, which stopped the coughing. My inhalers have changed over the years, but now I’m on Ciclesonide in the morning and at night, Fluticasone furoate in the morning, Incruse Elliot’s at night, and Ventolin as and when I need it. I’m also on 10mg of the dreaded steroids, partly to help my lungs but also because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Although my first medication was prescribed quite a while ago, I don’t think it took too long to work, especially the Montelukast.

[Lupaal]

Thank you all.

[Troilus]

Hi Lupaal. A typical preventer inhaler takes approximately 6 weeks to have full effect - that is not to say it has no effect - it will keep the airways open, but if there is any swelling there, that can take 6 weeks for the steroid element in the inhaler to reduce it.

You can still take your blue inhaler in the event of feeling breathless - up to 10 at once should you have an attack . The effect of the blue lasts about 4 hours. This also open the airways which will help you to cough up any phlegm.

Continue to take your peak flow and watch the numbers rise week on week😁

And remember-there are lots of different inhalers out there with lots of different strengths. If you continue to have problems contact your asthma nurse (every GP surgery has one) to see if you need your dose adjusting.

Congratulations - your road to recovery has begun 😁

[peege]

Hi, the leaflet should explain, some are up to 6 weeks but I've always found that they kick in sooner. Check out some breathing techniques while yr waiting. P

[Nula2]

Hi I have Bronchiectasis, Aspergillosis & Asthma. I have to sleep in a sitting position. I have a wedge pillow with two soft pillows on top of that. I can't lay down because I'm unable to breathe in that position and can't sleep at all . I wake about every two hours anyway with a really dried out mouth even when sitting but at least I get some sleep. If it doesn't improve sleeping in an upright position might be the answer for you.

[Patk1]

Do u have a blue salbutamol inhaler (reliever)?if u don't improve,do see gp x

[Lupaal in reply to Patk1]

I am seeing the asthma nurse in a few weeks to see how I'm getting on with the inhaler, it's a combined one. I've caught a cough on top so not helping to know how much its helping.

[Patk1 in reply to Lupaal]

Don't struggle.id give her a ring as she may well add I'm salbutamol,which is a quick reliever x

[Lupaal in reply to Patk1]

This one works as a quick reliever too.

[Patk1 in reply to Lupaal]

Which 1 is it? X

[Lupaal in reply to Patk1]

Fostair nexthaler

[BrittanyOk]

try Breztri or Trelegy and ask for a nebulizer perscription of ipatropium bromide and albuterol. You should have an albuterol inhaler too.