I was diagnosed with asthma 30 years ago and prescribed inhaler(s).
When my condition worsened about 5 years ago I saw a consultant who diagnosed bronchiectasis.
I came away with the impression that I no longer had asthma but this new condition, and that I should continue the use of sybicort inhaler as and when I needed it.
For the last 5 years I have suffered from a steady cought and was prescribed antibiotics on a frequent basis, and continued with the inhaler but irregularly.
Finally, I saw a new doctor and asked to see a consultant again as I felt the antibiotics were not resolving my issues.
Lung capacity was measured at 250.
To cut a long story short, I discovered that I must take the sybicort regularly, every day, 4 puffs in total. I was told it was ineffective to use occasionaly and needed to be taken daily in the prescribed dose.
After 10 days my lung capacity had increased to 400 plus and my chest cleared completely.
I wonder how many other asthma sufferers there are that take sybicort as and when rather than 4 puffs every day?
Fostair excessive use maybe? 
Tapering off inhaled steroids due to steroid induced adrenal insufficiency
Symbicort Inhaler
Experience of Using Alvesco (Ciclesonide)
Change of inhaler for smart regime
Do you think that taking symbicort helped your lungs. I was prescribed symbicort but afraid to take for regular use. Did want to be dependent on it. Please let me know or other comments from others.
thanks,
sagittar
It has definitely helped me. I have taken it regularly for the last 2.5 years, 200/6, 2 puffs am and 2 pm. When I have a cold or something I double the dose for a while, and occasionally that is enough to get me through it. I wouldn’t dream of not taking it regularly as prescribed.
thank you for your testimony...I do have a co-worker that swears by it. Always worried about long term. And not be able to wean off it....to a regular maintenance like qvar.
I worry far more about long term effects on my lungs from asthma. Neither option is perfect, but of the two I rather have Symbicort than damaged lungs.
I am not aware that inhalers make you dependant like antidepressives. You may get a short-lived rebound effect if you stop using them , but you ultimately go back to square one. Preventer inhalers like Symbicort are not much use unless you take them regularly, the actual dose varying according to your symptoms. Using Symbicort regularly has increased my lung function from 50 to 63%; not a great absolute value, but a considerable improvement on what it was.
It definitely helps if taken regularly - affects very noticeable after 7 to 10 days of regular use.