Asthma question

[DesignerS]

I have had asthma for many years and have been on Pulmicort, Serevent, and Singulair.
My gp says it is uncontrolled. He sent me to a new dr today . He wants to take me off my inhalers and start me on Symbicort ....anyone take this?
He also gave me an antibiotic for one month and Protonix for reflux.
Does this sound a little overkill? Very sensitive to drugs so am a little nervous about 3 new ones!

Designer

[anita]

I take Symbicort.  There are 2 doses (80/4.5 & 160/4.5)  I started out with the 160/4.5 with great results.  He did try the 80/4.5 just to see if I could have as good of results with a lower dose, but I started having more attacks (not awful, but definitely more often).  We went back up to the 160/4.5 and I very rarely have any attacks now.  I use ventolin during an attack (rescue inhaler), but it's rare.   I have numerous sensitivities to medicines, but did great with the symbicort.

I can't image he would RX an antibiotic unless he confirmed a bacterial infection.  As for Protonix, I've used that as well during hospital many admissions (sometimes hospitals use a certain brand, not all available).  I did not have any problems with it and it worked just as well as my nexium.

I really think symbicort works better then the others and hope you have good results too.  Have you started it yet?  Please report back after a few days of use and let us know how you feel.

[DesignerS]

Anita, thank you so much for your response:) It made me feel a lot more comfortable about taking the inhaler! I will give it a try and hopefully it will give great relief .
No, the dr. Did not check for infection and why did I not ask him about the antibiotic 
Thanks! Designer

[Linda196]

Symbicort contains a steroid, and shouldn't be started if the patient has an active infection. It also reduces resistance to new infection. Is it possible the doctor is "covering" with a broad spectrum antibiotic in case you have a hidden infection that he is concerned will escalate if not treated once you start the steroid?

[irish]

I would think that Linda is on the mark about covering a possible infection when starting the inhaler with the steroids in it.

I would not hesitate to take what they doc has ordered for you. If you have uncontrolled asthma there is a big risk that it could result in a fatal attack. Also, many times asthmatics have an infection that won't be very visible. Reason being, the asthma causes swelling of the tissues in the bronchioles or tubes and when this swelling occurs bacteria can be harbored and cause infection. These infections can just simmer down there and not make their presence very known.

The fun begins when the doc has to treat the asthma as he needs to use the steroids to reduce the swelling in the tubes. Steroids are wonderful drugs and can precipitate infection at times. The docs all know this and they accomodate treatment when using the steroids.

Steroids are the first line of treatment for asthma. Reducing the swelling in the tubes cuts down on the spasms. The other ingredient in the inhaler helps to reduce the spasms of asthma in different ways.

You will probably have to have an albuterol inhaler or rescue inhaler to use if you have episodes. Just make sure to get to the ER ASAP when these attacks occur and here's hoping that you improve. Irish