What advice can you give me for my preventer?

[NicEllaDawn]

I was on a Beclametasone preventer inhaler for many years but as I had got to the point where I was having asthma attacks regularly my GP decided to move me on to a new inhaler that was beclametasone and something else so it was stronger! That inhaler was Fostair and it gives me an upset stomach so I cannot take it! This means I do not have a suitable preventer in place and my asthma is now in an awful place! the amount of asthma attacks I am having is ridiculous and I have been trying to access a GP unsuccessfully since November! What advice do you suggest I give my GP for my asthma preventer wise when I finally see them!

[Izb1]

I would phone the helpline on 0300 222 5800 or if you are feeling unwell speak with 111 and see what they advise. Disgraceful that you have been left with this problem x

[knitter]

I have Qvar preventer which is the same …tried Fostair and Trimbow and my Peak Flow went down . I have had so many chest infections , antibiotics and steroids this year getting fed up .

Saw an item on tv about combined inhalers and separate ones and NHS

In new year going to try my gentle , gentle breathing exercises again . And meditation with Chibs Okereke on you tube . I went on a Buteyko breathing course years ago ..very expensive , tutors vary in quality , seems simple but do it wrong and it can worsen symptoms . It can help though …gentle gentle nose breathing

ALUK helpline open 2 nd Jan I think …but 111 is available .

[Ern007]

I have Fostair with no problems - I also have an Atrovent inhaler which is very good - As a like for like, you could ask your gP to try you on ;Seretide ; does the same job as Fostair but with different ingredients.

[Biker88]

ask your GP about bialogics, as these I understand can have excellent results for asthma patients

[PaperQueen]

I'm not an asthma sufferer but my niece is. She has had loads of episodes this year when she had to be blue-lighted to hospital and has had a lot of time off school. They have recently been giving her injections in her stomach which seem to be doing the trick. She has to go to hospital for these, though when they are sure they work, she will inject herself. It might be worth talking to your hospital consultant about it. Doubt the GP would be able to help with it though. Good luck! x

[NicEllaDawn]

Thanks for the advice everybody!

[O2Trees]

Have you ever tried Symbicort? I don't see that many people on it here on the forum but Ive been on it for ages and find it very satisfactory. It has budesinide, a steroid, and formoterol fumarate dihydrate (what a mouthful!) and this is the bronchodilator. It is chiefly prescribed for those with asthma but also given to people with copd who are at the severe stage (I have both). Like most steroid inhalers, it takes about 3 weeks to work fully.

As Izb1 suggests, you could speak to the forum's nurses on the number she has given you. They are excellent. But also mention Symbicort to your GP to see if (s)he thinks it would work for you. Good luck!

[NicEllaDawn]

Is it prescribed to people with severe asthma or regular asthma that just is not well controlled because they are lacking a suitable preventer?