Chronic Bronchitis & Symbicort- what to expect?

[Starlight33]

Recently diagnosed with Chronic Bronchitis and Asthma. I have repeated chest infections, coughing, wheezing, short of breath

I will be starting on inhalers soon Symbicort, Albuterol, and Spiriva

Is Symbicort commonly used for CB and what can I expect regarding improvements if my medications work well?

My PFT, fev1/fvc pre 59 post 62 & fev1 pre 69 post 75. I'm ignorant and don't know what to expect. Has anyone experienced positive improvements to their breathing with these medications ? How will I know if I need oxygen too?

[Hidden]

Welcome to the boards. With the caveat that I’m not medically qualified…with an fev1 of 69% pre salbutamol, it’s extremely unlikely that you would need oxygen, but the way to check how your body is managing is to use an SpO2 (also called a pulse oximetry) monitor. You can buy fingertip monitors for about £15-£20 on Amazon. However, you need to be aware that using one properly is more than just sticking your finger in. There are threads on here about using them if you use the search box, explaining how to ensure you get accurate results - it’s easy to get false lows.

In terms of symbicort, this is a combined steroid and long acting bronchodilator that is often the initial, first choice prescribed for many lung conditions. If it doesn’t work, there are lots of others to try, but there are many people here that take it for CB and COPD generally. With optimal treatment that works, my understanding is you should expect to have less breathlessness and wheeze, and more exercise capacity.

[peege]

Charlie gives a good reply. I don't have copd but use inhalers. Definitely be sure to rinse/gargle after every inhalation. P

[NancyUS]

SYMBICORT has worked very well for me. It contains a steroid, which helps those of us with COPD/Bronchitis. Be SURE TO RINSE your mouth after each time inhaling, to avoid possible thrush.

I have been on this medication for over six years in combination with SPIRIVA RESPIMAT. This combination of RX - when taken as directed helps to control lung muscles, airways, and overall quality of life.

Please give this medication 60 to 90 days to become effective, as having it in your system as directed MATTERS.

I am a patient with NO SIDE EFFECTS and only benefits from this product.

Me and my dog.

[Alberta56 in reply to NancyUS]

What a lovely pic of both of you. You certainly look a good advert for Symbicort.

[Gloria411]

I had the same symptoms you described for 6 months and have the inhaler for asthma and was prescribed Symbicort. I was on it only until my symptoms improved, which was approximately 3 months. It did help me and then I felt well enough to not take. I occasionally have asthma attacks and if they are severe, I begin the symbicort again until my condition improves. Good luck and it should help you.

[Alberta56]

I hope the advice you get here is encouraging. Hopefully you will start to feel better soon and perhaps then you should think about gentle exercise. Most of we lungies try to do what we can. xxx

[Efc07]

Hi Starlight33 I’ve use Symbicort for a number of years but my dosage was upped about 6 weeks ago due to coughing when trying to sleep, my GP has now put me on 400/12 dosage twice a day which has made a good improvement.

[GrandadPig in reply to Efc07]

Spiriva fan here😊. I use several inhalers so can not say which one dies the job, but since being on them my asthma is very well controlled and even go out without my Ventolin!!!

Puff away and try not to worry, been in them for a couple of year, no side effects👍