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mild asthma - how long medication

12 years ago the doc said that I have asthma, seem to have it for a month or so, then no symptoms until 2 weeks ago. Doing a lot of exertion pulling out a tree stump I found myself gasping for air. Heavy chest for a day or 2, under normal conditions walking etc, no symptoms. During exertion had a hard time getting enough air.
Then I was fine for a few days, but came back. Hard time getting that deep breath. Started Breo Ellipta and on day one feeling normal again.
I assume that as I went 12 years between episodes that I have a mild asthma.
How long should I keep using the Breo Ellipta ?


  1. Hi bobbee, and thanks for sharing you medical history and recent development too. You must feel good knowing this medication (Breo Ellipta), has already made this recent episode ease up a bit.
    As for how long you should use it, I would suggest you ask that question of your prescribing physician. Since, after 12 years, the asthma seems to have returned with some exertion, I am sure the doctor will be able to render an opinion as to how long you should continue using this medication.
    What do you think?
    Leon (site moderator asthma.net)

    1. Sorry to hear you've had an attack after some exertion. Have you sat down and considered exactly what your triggers are. Reading your story, the first thing that came to mind was - Did he just get triggered by exercise or mold/allergies from removing the tree trunk? I wonder if allergy testing would be of benefit. Have you had past allergies or been tested in the past? May be a good route to take. Rebecca (comm advc)


      1. I will look into an allergy test.
        I started Breo Ellipta Tuesday morning and breathing was good but felt a little wired both Tuesday and Wed. So I took another dose this AM. I guess I will use it every other day until back to normal.

        1. Breo Ellipta is a corticosteroid that will give you that kind of feeling and may lessen over time. Use it as prescribed for best results. Be wary of the side effects as well. Best of healing always. Rebecca (comm advc)

        2. Hi bobbee, and thanks for checking back and providing the update. As my colleague, , has said - the side effects you shared here (feeling a little 'wired'😉, may be connected to the medication (Breo). You will want to continue to monitor that feeling going forward. If it persists or worsens, then you may want to reach out to your prescribing physician. What do you think?
          Of course, when using medication(s), it is always best to use them as prescribed. In my experience, one of the main reasons for medications not working properly (for the patient), is inconsistent compliance. If the Breo is working for you, that is good and a sign of its efficacy for you.
          Please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress moving forward.
          All the best,
          Leon (site moderator asthma.net)

      2. I used the Breo Ellipta once a day, every 3 days, for a week. Problem resolved. However every so often I feel like I have deep breathing restricted, but then it just goes away. For example yesterday I felt like I had some restriction if I tried to take a deep breath. But today my breathing is fine. Do asthma symptoms come and go like that ?

        1. Hi bobbee, and thanks for your post and question - it's a good one! You may be aware that asthma affects all patients differently. Having said that, it is entirely possible for the symptoms you've described to affect one in this manner. In order to be certain, you may want to discuss this with your prescribing physician. The doctor should be able to provide you with a specific answer for your particular level of disease. If necessary, the doctor should also be able to guide you if there is an additional need for medication.
          What do you think?
          Leon (site moderator asthma.net)

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