Asthma Flare Up

[oussssss]

Hello All

Is there anyway to control an Asthma flare up other than oral corticosteroids? Is there a chance it subsides on its own with inhaled corticosteroids or are oral corticosteroids a must?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

I think it really depends on what you mean by flare up. If you had one episode of mild symptoms resolved by less then 10 puffs of ventolin and no return of symptoms than you could possible not need the steroids. However, if it was more severe or if you are having recurring symptoms and you probably need a short just to nip it in the bud. If you leave it in this situation, they is a very small chance that you’ll self-resolve however a much bigger risk of it worsening to the point of hospitalisation.

You’re best bet is to talk to your GP/Asthma nurse and ask them, however if they’ve been prescribed you probably need them! I know the side effects aren’t great but docs consider that before prescribing. It’s better to have a slight increase in the risk of osteoporosis/diabetes etc in the future, than the greater risk of death through SoB in the next few weeks...

If it’s a long flare up you can ask about different meds to help control it again - a new preventor, montelukast etc etc

Hope that helps x

[Hidden]

Hi oussssss

A lot of people worry about taking steroids, so you’re not alone. It might help you to know that the steroids used to treat asthma are corticosteroids, which are a copy of substances the body makes naturally.

The preventer inhaler you take every day contains a low dose of steroids. If you’re taking it in the right way, using a good technique, the medicine will get straight to your airways. This means it’s less likely to cause any side effects and very little medicine is absorbed into the rest of your body.

If you’ve been prescribed a a course of steroid tablets alongside your usual inhalers. This is because you need extra help to deal with your asthma symptoms. Higher doses of steroids are usually only prescribed short term until you’ve fully recovered from a flare up of your asthma symptoms. And they’ll only be prescribed if your GP or asthma nurse thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.

You can call an asthma nurse specialist on our Helpline on 0300 222 5800 (Mon-Fri; 9am-5pm) to talk through any concerns you have about your asthma medicines.

Hope that helps,

Dita

[Deedee111]

it can improve without oral steriods,but alot of the time u might need a short course of oral it depends how long ur flare has been going on take care dee

[ChrissieMons]

I suspect only you know the answer to this as it depends how you feel. If you can cope and aren't taking lots of the blue inhaler every day, stick to your usual regime, but do ask your GP if you need antibiotics. If you are struggling for breath and overusing the blue inhaler, I suggest you take the steroids. No-one is going to force you to take anything you don't want. You can decide!