Is Betamethasone better than Salbutamol to manage asthma?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 34-year-old male with uncontrolled asthma. I was a basketball prodigy, but had to quit after collapsing during a championship game and spending two days in the intensive care unit. I have been using a salbutamol inhaler, but it is not working well anymore. A friend suggested I switch to Betamethasone. Is that okay? I am desperate to get back on the court. Are there other options to improve my lung function?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

As you have bronchial asthma, treatment focuses on using the right inhalers regularly with proper technique. For uncontrolled asthma, tests like a complete blood count, serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), chest X-ray, and spirometry (pulmonary function test) are recommended. Repeated flare-ups may be due to conditions like allergic rhinitis (a common condition that occurs when your body overreacts to allergens in the air or food), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obesity, or incorrect inhaler use.

To manage asthma, start using a budesonide-formoterol (Budetrol 200/6) inhaler, two puffs twice a day with a spacer, and rinse your mouth after use. Stop the Salbutamol inhaler, and continue this for at least six months without skipping doses. Consult a pulmonologist monthly, get age-appropriate vaccinations, and control any comorbid conditions.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Regards.