<human>: I am 50 years old and have had asthma for about 15 years now - or at least finally diagnosed 15 years ago.  My doctor has put me on Symicort.  My throat was hurting so I stopped using it for a few days.  It seemed as though my asthma fought with a vengeance.  I now have the worst cough and wheezing ever.  I have since (for 2 weeks) been back on it but am still suffering.  What should I do?
<bot>: Hello. Thank you for asking at Chat Doctor. I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:1. In my opinion, inhalers such as Symbicort should not be stopped without doctors advice. Stopping controller inhalers can cause return or exaggeration of symptoms. Please make sure that your technique of using inhaler is perfect, and you are rinsing mouth after each use, this will reduce deposition of Chat Doctor. 2. In such patients, I usually suggest continuing original inhaler (Symbicort) in the same dose as they had been using previously. In addition, I would suggest them to use inhaler like levosalbutamol or albuterol 3-6 times a day and also to take montelukast regularly. Please discuss these possibilities with your doctor.3. For long term management of persistent asthma, I would suggest you allergy testing, which will help you identify the substance causing symptoms to you as well as to know the measures to avoid them. Based on allergy testing, an Allergist-Immunologist may prescribe you allergy specific immunotherapy which works on immune system to gradually improve allergy symptoms over long time.4. In general, I would suggest you to avoid exposure to dusts, smokes and air pollution.5. I would also suggest you regular breathing exercises, plenty of oral fluids and a healthy diet rich in vitamins & minerals. Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you. Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at Chat Doctor. Wish you the best of the health and a quick recovery. Thank you & Regards.