Hi everyone,
I’ve been taking 400/12 Symbicort for two years on the recommendation of well known chest prof and one who I trust for severe atopic asthma symptom relief and overall asthma control. This combination drug has really helped me concerning daytime control of asthma symptoms. I still have a big problem during the early hours if not taking pred (I am atm – taking pred) but this is not my major concern.
What does worry me is that I've recently started to experience a noticeably increased heart rate at various times of the day for no apparent reason, i.e. can happen whether I’m driving to work and back, sitting in front of my computer, walking around or standing up in front of students. This symptom appears out of the blue for want of a better expression, lasting for anything between ten minutes and up to an hour.
I’m used to the ‘shakes’ at certain times, mostly during warm weather and lasting a short time, when taking this med, plus have a similar response to high doses of bricanyl and ventolin nebs when experiencing asthma exacerbations.
I’m not sure but have a gut feeling that the increased heart rate – which makes me feel extremely tired and sleepy - to the point where I have to sit down and rest, especially if my heart rate is increased for an hour - is related to the LABA part of this inhaler.
I’m relatively fit -can run - albeit slowly these days, have never smoked, normal blood pressure, not overweight, healthy diet – apart from daily G and G choccy supplement - and so on.
This increase in heart rate is totally different to the way I used to feel when running and training to deliberately increase heart rate for improved aerobic endurance. Never experienced the extreme tiredness or out of the blue increased heart rate. (I’m an experienced - 25 year - former marathon and ultra distance runner)
Obviously I will discuss this concern with chest doc, but won’t see him again for another four weeks.
Has anyone experienced this or similar symptoms? Better still, can anyone explain why I’m experiencing this symptom and whether or not it is something to worry about?
Thanks.
Mia