Bevespi?
So I went to my PCP today to follow up on the lingering case of bronchitis that I've had for almost 8 weeks now. He feels that my issues now of coughing and mucus are more asthma related, rather than bronchitis. He wants to put me on a new inhaler called Bevespi to see if that calms the flare-up. Up to this point, my asthma has been spotty, using my Pro Air inhaler only a few times a year. Does anyone have experience with Bevespi? I don't have COPD. I had a chest CT in early December that showed some inflammation of the bronchial tubes and possibly mild bronchietasis-- but my PCP isn't convinced that I have bronchiectasis. He just think it's an asthma flare up.
Hi Deb, thanks for posting your question here. Do you have a good relationship with your doctor, could you ask why they are choosing that medication specifically? Have you had an asthma flare up in the past, if so, what was the treatment? I hope that you are able to discuss your treatment plan with your doctor and come to a solution. Best of luck, Lauren (team member) 
Hi again,
- thanks for following up with us here after your visit to the pulmonologist earlier today. I recall in our earlier conversation (which can be accessed here: https://asthma.net/forums/bronchitis-and-asthma), you did mention you were planning on seeing the doctor.
I am hopeful others in the community who use the medication Bevespi, will share whatever experience with the medication they may have had.
I also thought you might want to read up on it for yourself. Towards that end, here is the material on the medication from the pharmaceutical company (AstraZeneca), responsible for it: https://www.bevespi.com/.
What are your own thoughts about starting this medication?
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)Thank you responding! I do not have a pulmonologist since my asthma has never really been that severe. I get a little wheezing or tightness a few times a year and my albuterol inhaler takes care of it right away. This is my first experience with prolonged asthma symptoms exacerbated by viral bronchitis. I did read the info on Bevespi and I really don't want to take it. I get tachycardia frequently from anxiety and I don't want to take anything that might bring that on. My primary care doctor has tried to treat this almost 8 week bout of coughing, wheezing and mucus with Trelegy (made my heart race), Breztri (took away the wheezing, etc., but I don't want to get thrush) and now Bevespi. He said today that he feels my symptoms now are more asthma related and that this is my 1st real flare up. I just don't understand that asthma flare ups are treated with COPD inhalers. I feel like my doctor is just throwing everything at this hoping something will work. I'm not a guinea pig. I just want this to get better!
Hi Deb - I hear you!! I understand more clearly now that your physician is your primary care physician (PCP) and you have not felt the need for a specialist. Let me see if I can respond to your concerns.
Sometimes, when one's asthma has been stable throughout the years (as yours has), there is no need for anything extra - the medication regimen that is being used, works when needed. In between there are no breathing issues.
However, sometimes, there can be a precipitating factor (like an episode of acute bronchitis or, an upper respiratory infection), that can exacerbate one's (asthma) disease, which may then require more aggressive medical intervention.
Recognizing your concerns about the heart, you may need more experience treating this sort of occurrence. This could be the case since your present episode has persisted for eight weeks.
At times, the treatment may seem like more 'trial and error' with a doctor using medication after medication until the right medication (for the patient) is determined.
All this to say, Deb, perhaps this is the time to consider whether seeing a lung specialist may be of benefit to you now.
What do you think?
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)
Thanks so much, Leon. I have the names of 2 pulmonologists who are highly rated and practice relatively close to my home. With New Year's upon us, their office doesn't reopen until Tuesday. I'll be calling then to see if I can get an appointment.
I'm so frustrated with all this! My 85 year old mother who smokes almost a pack a day since she was 14 just smiles and says, "welcome to MY world!" I've never smoked a day in my life. Each time I see her to visit or deliver her groceries, I walk into a wall of smoke and I start coughing. She believes that since I grew up in a house full of cigarette smoke that it shouldn't bother me. I haven't lived at home for 43 years, LOL. She seems genuinely happy that "you're just like me now!" Ever hear of the concept of schadenfreude?
Sorry I unloaded. I'm just so frustrated and helpless/hopeless right now. I sure hope a specialist can get this under control.Hi again, Deb - it's my pleasure!! To answer your question - yes, I understand the term/concept 'schadenfreude'. From my own perspective, it is not the proper sentiment from a parent to their child (no matter the age, right?) That is how I perceive it!
I am do glad to hear you plan to reach out for a pulmonologist in your area. I am also hopeful the specialist will be able to tame your symptoms and bring this disease (as well as the 8-week course of symptoms), under better control.
To get back to your Mom - do you think it would be helpful for you to wear a mask before you enter her (cigarette smoke-filled) house? If it was me, I would give it a try - not just a simple surgical mask but rather a properly fitted N95 mask or its equivalent. That might help you to get through the grocery visit!
Don't be concerned about venting either - we are happy to lend a listening ear here at asthma.net.
Wishing you well,
Leon L (author/moderator asthma.net)
