Is esiflo inhaler effective for asthma?
Patient: Hi.I m 23 yr old student.I stay in mumbai.I study in bangalore.In bangalore i got weezin problem wen i come back to my native place for vacations I dnt have any of this problem...i consult doctor he discover that I have asthma problem by checkin blood report and x-ray of my chest...he gave me esiflo inhaler...I would like to know this inhaler will cure my asthma and it is addicted?...and is there any side effects?..plz reply me as soon as possible...:( Doctor: Hello.Thank you for asking at HCM.I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:1. Inhalers and most of the medicines do not "cure" asthma. They control symptoms of allergies & asthma.2. Depending upon your severity and frequency of symptoms, you may need "controller" type of inhaler such as Esiflo as your doctor has prescribed you. I would suggest you to take it regularly for at least 2-3 months and then continue/discontinue as per your doctor's guidance only.3. Inhalers do not cause addiction. It is a great myth. Only thing is that as asthma is a chronic disorder, its symptoms return on stopping inhaler. So patients feel they are "addicted". It's not an addiction, it's a requirement for the patient.4. Esiflo as two contents: Salmeterol and Fluticasone (inhaled corticosteroid). Side effects of salmeterol are tremors, increased heart beats, feeling of heart beats, ets. Side effects of Fluticasone are throat irritation, change in voice, throat infection with long term use etc.Above side effects can be minimized by proper technique of using inhaler, using a spacer device along with inhaler and rinsing mouth after use of inhaler.5. Were I treating you, I would add regular montelukast in your regular treatment. It will help allergy-asthma symptoms and will reduce your requirement of inhalers.6. I would also suggest you allergy testing which will help you identify the substance causing allergies-asthma to you and also to know measures to avoid them.Based on results, an Allergist-Immunologist may prescribe you allergen specific immunotherapy which works on immune system to reduce allergy symptoms on long term basis.7. In general, I would suggest you to avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution as much as possible.8. Regular breathing exercises & healthy diet rich in vitamins & minerals (adequate green leafy vegetables, fruits, sprouts, etc) will also help you in a long run by improving your lung capacity & immunity respectively.Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.Wish you the best of the health.Thank you & Regards.