<human>: Hello! I am 63. I am having moderate wheezing and coughing at night for which I was prescribed foracort 400 twice a day. It has helped a lot. Now I want to know if I should continue the inhaler. Is it safe for long time use? Is there any other medication to be taken along side when I get occasional episodes of wheezing and cough. SURJEET
<bot>: Hello dear, Wheezing is caused due to bronchoconstriction (obstruction of smaller airway passages) which is indicative of Hyper-responsiveness of air passages (seasonal allergy or asthma)Forecourt inhaler provide symptomatic relief by causing bronchodilator (dilating the smaller airway passages, relieving the obstruction & increasing airflow to lungs)So, you can use it whenever you are having an acute attack. As it acts directly on the air passages, it is free from long term systemic side effects. Other than that, you can also take the following medicines:1. Montelukast & Deriphylline preparations- used as a maintenance therapy to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies & asthma.2. Antihistamine preparations like Allegra & Cough expectorant syrup for symptomatic relief.3. A course of antibiotics may be taken to manage secondary bacterial attack.4. Maintain adequate HY Chat Doctor. 5. Also make sure that you are well protected from cold, dust & other allergens. Wishing you a good health. Take care.