Symbicort is used for the long-term maintenance treatment of:
Asthma: It helps control asthma symptoms in adults and children (depending on the specific type and strength) by reducing inflammation and opening airways.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It's used to manage COPD symptoms, including shortness of breath and coughing, and to reduce the frequency of exacerbations (flare-ups).
What are the benefits of Symbicort?
- Combined Action: It combines a corticosteroid (budesonide) to reduce inflammation and a long-acting beta2-agonist (formoterol) to relax airway muscles, providing comprehensive symptom control.
- Improved Breathing: By addressing both inflammation and bronchoconstriction (narrowing of airways), it significantly improves breathing and reduces shortness of breath.
- Reduced Exacerbations: Regular use helps prevent asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups, leading to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
- Convenience: The combination inhaler simplifies treatment by delivering two medications in a single dose.
- Maintenance Therapy: It is used as a maintenance therapy, to control symptoms on a daily basis.
What types of Symbicort are there?
- Symbicort Turbuhaler: A dry powder inhaler.
- Symbicort Rapihaler (Metered Dose Inhaler): An aerosol inhaler.
- Different dosages within each delivery method, containing varying amounts of budesonide and formoterol. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate strength based on your needs.
Symbicort is manufactured by AstraZeneca.