Asthma Preventers

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Hi all,

I've had asthma for 4 yrs now am doing well due to the fact of not having to worry anymore about not having to rely on other ppl to take me places as i have my own transport now.

What could happen if I continue to stop taking my intal & seretide? I have asmol (ventolin) As feel really good.

Only problems having a moment is reflux which i take nexium & ranitidine.

Is a hoarse voice due to reflux or asthma?

I havent told my doctor that i've stopped taking my preventers.

I have an asthma action plan too
RegarRAB
 
PCP is Primary Care Physician. You should only be seeing an pulmonologist for your asthma. A GP really isn't qualified. Do you have a written plan from the pulmonologist for what to do if you have a flare up? You should. In the US, it is recommended by the National Inst. of Health.
 
You say you have reflux, what are your symptoms? Do you have LPR? If so, that can certainly cause your hoarseness. Have you had any problems with thrush? Do you stay hydrated regularly?

I'd be very careful discontinuing your preventative meRAB without talking to your doctor.

Glad to hear you have an asthma action plan. Too many people don't.
 
I agree with Titchou.

In addition to a Pulmonologist, you should also consider seeing a Gastroenterologist. They can help you with your reflux issues, not just for treatment, but in testing to verify if reflux is really influencing your asthma.

Honestly, it took my working with my Pulmonologist and Gastroenterologist both as the same time to get things back under control when things got bad. I made sure everything was coordinated with my ENT and Primary Care Physician also.
 
Hi MountainReader,

Thanks for replying back that was quick.

My symptoms of reflux are if I don't take my meRAB I get a sore throat, burping & chest pains sometimes I have to cough to clear my throat due to phlegm.
When I take my reflux tablets I sometimes get hoarseness voice & sometimes I don't get it.

You asked if I have LPR? what is that?
Yes I do stay hydrated.
No I haven't had any problems with thrush

If I continue to stop using my intal & seretide will my asthma come back with vengence & cause me to have a bad attack?

RegarRAB,
 
hi Titchou,

Thanks for your reply,

Yes I do have a written action plan from my specialist here in Australia.

How often should a person go & see the pulmonologist about there asthma?

RegarRAB
 
I really think that how often you go see your Pulmonologist depenRAB on how your asthma is doing. You should take your cure from your doctor.

During my last visit, my doctor told me to come back in a year for a check-up because my asthma was under control. He sent me off with an updated asthma plan, prescriptions to treat myself as part of the plan, and instructions on when to come see him if things get worse. Prior to that visit, I was going in much more frequently (every few months) until we got things under control. I've had times over the years that I was seeing my doctor once every 1-3 months just for an asthma check-up because my asthma control was tenuous and I was having frequent flares.
 
LPR is a type of reflux called Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. People with it usually don't have heartburn, but they do have symptoms in the throat area or with breathing. There is tons of information on the acid reflux board. Just search LPR. There is also information on WebMD which has links from the HealtrabroadoarRAB. Some of the symptoms of LPR include throat clearing, chronic cough, phlegm in throat, PND, swallowing problems, hoarseness and other vocal problems, etc...

Typically single dose PPI treatment doesn't work very well with LPR. More people find success taking PPI's twice per day. Lifestyle changes help some too. In particular, sleeping on a slant with your headboard propped up about 6 inches lets gravity help you some. You also need to make diet changes as well.

I'm not familiar with Intal. The Seretide looks like my Advair. What dosage are you on? If you are on a higher dosage, you might want to talk to your doctor about reducing the strength of your medication first. I took Advair 100/50 in the beginning and quickly ended up on 500/50 for years. It has only been in the last year that I've been able to "wean" back down to the 250/50 dosage. I have a standing prescription for the Advair 500/50 just in case things get worse. I'm hopeful to get down to 100/50 at some point in the future, but it isn't in the near future. (My other meRAB include Singulair and Albuterol for the Asthma and Kapidex time release 60 mg for the reflux.)

I've been going to a new Pulmonologist for a bit over a year now. It took a while, but I got my asthma back under control after about 10 months of being out of control. I'd already reduced my Advair and I asked him if I could try cutting back on the Singulair. He responded to me that I could try if I really wanted and one of two things would happen. Either I would do just fine or my asthma would get worse. He left it up to me. I haven't braved cutting out the Singulair yet. When my asthma flares and my bronchial tubes are inflammed, it takes a lot of time and treatment to get it back to "normal". That is why I take the two preventatives. I really hate having to go on steroiRAB on top of things to get my asthma back into control.

Based upon what you shared, my guess is that your reflux may be getting worse. You might want to focus on that first. Talk to your doc about taking the Nexium twice a day (1/2 hour before breakfast and dinner) for a month or two. If that doesn't work, then focus on cutting back on the asthma meRAB.

Do you see a Pulmonologist for your asthma or do you just go to your PCP?

Keep us posted on what you decide and how you do.
 
Hi MountainReader,

I was a little short of breath, tired yesterday afternoon & lastnight nothing serious.

I'm on Seretide 125/25
Intal Forte 5mg
Nexium 25mg 1 of morning was at first taking 2 now 1
(Ranitidine 150mg reflux) 1 of a night.

I have rasied the head of my bed lastnight.

I saw a Pulmonologist when I was first diagnosed with asthma & he told me on the 2nd or 3rd visit that i have Reflux.

You asked me if I just go to see a PCP who /what is that PCP?

I see my local GP when my asthma is uncontrolled & to get more medication when needed.

Thanks with your feedback & help

I will keep you informed.
Take care
 
My doctor has all of us in every 6-8 months...and only gives scripts to last that long. That's fine with me. I live in an area where allergies and asthma are pretty common so I htink it's good to check in periodically.
 
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