Asthma & Spiolto Respimat inhaler.

[elaineFL]

Have had mild asthma since 7, have been on a preventer since my 20's (now 74) Noticed a cough in 2015 & have been coughing since & am often breathless. My Dr called it COPD. Was put on Spiolto Respimat as well as my usual preventer inhaler. I thought this new medication made everything worse so I stopped. My Dr. still says it's the best. Everything I read on the internet says Spiolto Respimat should not be used by asthmatics. Can anyone offer an opinion? What do I believe?

[Kaussha]

Hi you say your doctor diagnosed your symptoms as COPD which appears why he has prescribed Spiolto if you dont agree with your diagnosis just tell him and ask for a Spiromotery Test or referreal to a Consulantant at your Respiratory Clinic. If your symtoms are much worse then you must be suffering from some of the side effects so ask your GP to prescribe you something else . You could also ask him if you could try Spiriva Respimat instead as that can be used in COPD and Asthma but just beware this inhaler Spiriva in Asthma must be used in addition to you current asthma inhalers and other medication and not instead of your current preventor inhaler but just note if its tiotropium you are reacting to then you will probably get the same dide effects with this one. You can also chat with the Asthma Uk Nurses by calling their helpline as they will also be able to assist you with this. Hope you get this resolved soon. x

[elaineFL in reply to Kaussha]

Thankyou Kaussha. I'm in Australia. I have seen a lung specialist about my chronic cough, he couldn't help (sometimes I wonder if it's not related to asthma is it all in my mind). I have had Spirometery tests over the years and it was after the last one I was told I have COPD. I stopped taking the Spiolto Respimat after I felt it was making me worse. I know my Dr. feels he has done everything he can. He is opening his on surgery in another suburb soon so I am going to see if the new Dr. in my present surgery can help.

[Kaussha in reply to elaineFL]

Hi ElaineFL you're welcome and I hope the new doctor gets your diagnosis and medication sorted. Have you been tested for allergies and sinusitis and acid reflux as your cough could be as a result of any of these making your COPD and Asthma much worse. Worth asking your new doctor when you meet him or her. Take care of yourself xx

[elaineFL in reply to Kaussha]

Thankyou Kaussha. No allergy tests etc since I was young, I'm a pensioner so I don't get out much except for nice long walks so I don't think I have any new allergies, sinusitis or acid reflux.