“Asthmatic bronchitis?”
I was diagnosed with asthmatic bronchitis 5 years ago and prescribed fluticasone. My only symptom is an occasional dry cough (not every day). Sometimes I go a week or two with no cough. I am 65 years old and have no other medical issues. Do I really need an inhaler?
Male | 65 years old
4 Answers
PulmonologistPulmonologistAsthmatic bronchitis, also known as chronic bronchial asthma, is a condition where the bronchial tubes become inflamed and produce excessive mucus, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It's a form of asthma that primarily affects the bronchial tubes.
Whether or not you need an inhaler, such as fluticasone, depends on the severity and frequency of your symptoms, as well as the advice of your healthcare provider. Here are some considerations:
1. **Frequency and Severity of Symptoms**: Even if your symptoms occur only occasionally, they can still be problematic and may warrant treatment. Coughing, especially if it disrupts your daily life or sleep, can be bothersome and may benefit from medication.
2. **Prevention of Exacerbations**: Inhalers like fluticasone are often prescribed to prevent asthma exacerbations and reduce the risk of acute episodes, which can be more severe and require emergency treatment.
3. **Lung Function**: Your healthcare provider may have assessed your lung function through tests like spirometry. The results of these tests can help determine the appropriate treatment. If your lung function is compromised, preventive medications like fluticasone may be beneficial.
4. **Individual Assessment**: Your healthcare provider takes into account your overall health, medical history, and lifestyle when making treatment recommendations. They consider factors like your age and the potential impact of asthma on your daily activities.
5. **Safety**: Inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone are generally safe when used as prescribed and can help reduce inflammation in the airways, which is a key component of asthma and asthmatic bronchitis management.
It's important to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider regarding your symptoms and treatment plan. If you have concerns about using an inhaler, you can discuss these with your healthcare provider to explore alternative treatment options or adjustments to your current medication regimen.
Ultimately, the decision to continue or discontinue an inhaler should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, taking into account your specific medical history and asthma management goals. They can provide guidance tailored to your individual needs.
Yes to suppress chronic inflammation.
Your physician prescribed the medication to you for a reason, therefore you should take you medication as prescribed. If you have and any questions you need to discuss this with you physician or pharmacist.
Fluticasone often comes as part of a combination with other medications in an inhaler. It can also come as a single-agent inhaler. It does not sound like you are having any symptoms related to your breathing. The episode of asthmatic bronchitis that you had five years ago may have been a single episode that has resolved. The easiest way to determine if you still need the fluticasone is to stop using it and see if your breathing is affected. I would not throw it away just yet, in case your symptoms return.
