Fed up

[DeanSamson]

Hello Up untill August last year I was cycling 100 miles a week then in October my asthma started to get bad and caught an apparent Rsv virus which I was hospitalised in early Dec. Since then my asthma hasn't been right at all and been on and off prednisolone. Currently on 40mg pred again for 2 weeks then a 3 week taper down. I'm also getting accompanied dizzy spells and chest tightness. I'm not wheezing at all and just feel my chest is so tight. My current inhaler set up is symbicort 4 x 2 a day, pulmicort 2 x 2 a day, respimat 2 x 1 a day, montelukast 10mg daily and fluticasone nasal spray nightly. I'm currently seeing a respiratory medicine specialist and he's as much good as a convertible in the rain. I'm being referred to another specialist because my doctor has no faith in him either. Don't know what to do. I also had the MMR vaccine last week while on prednisolone iv heard this can cause problems???

Thanks for reading

[Poobah]

You've really been through it! Changing specialist definitely a must.

As MMR contains live vaccine the efficacy may be hampered by the prednisone. It may be that the doctor thought better to have some protection rather than none. Talk to the doctor who made the decision and ask if a booster is possible when the time comes (at least 3 months after prednisone ceases).

If the RSV has affected the smaller & deeper parts of the lungs then treatment should reflect that. Symbicourt may not be reaching the affected areas of the lungs and there are other meds that have finer particles (Fostair). It may also be sensible to ask for a steroid inhaler with super fine particles, if there's such a thing. Definitely time to review each medication.

And ask about Azithromycin. Even though you've had a virus, this long term antibiotic is very good at reducing inflammation and some asthmatics really respond very well to it. The specialist will be able to run the necessary tests to check suitability.

All the best and I hope you make a full recovery. Let's hope you're back on your bike soon.

[DeanSamson in reply to Poobah]

Thanks for that. There is some really good information. Hopefully things will improve I'm itching to get out and get active again. I'm going to see the specialist in a few months so I'll mention it. They never seem to rush but then again are extremely busy at time. Thanks again.