From the Guidelines
If you have an upper respiratory infection (URI), you should continue taking your prescribed Symbicort as directed by your healthcare provider, while also using albuterol as needed for symptom relief. Symbicort, which contains budesonide (a corticosteroid) and formoterol (a long-acting bronchodilator), is a controller medication that helps manage underlying airway inflammation and should not be stopped during a URI unless specifically instructed by your doctor 1. Albuterol, a short-acting rescue inhaler, can be used more frequently during a URI to relieve acute symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath. The two medications work differently - Symbicort provides ongoing control while albuterol offers quick relief. Stopping Symbicort during an infection could potentially worsen respiratory symptoms as the anti-inflammatory effect would be lost when you need it most. Some key points to consider when managing URI symptoms include:
- Using Symbicort as prescribed to maintain control over airway inflammation 1
- Using albuterol as needed for quick relief of acute symptoms
- Monitoring symptoms closely and contacting your healthcare provider if they worsen or if you develop concerning symptoms like fever or increased sputum production. It's also important to note that antibiotics should not be prescribed for viral conditions like the common cold, nonspecific URI, acute cough illness, and acute bronchitis, and management should focus on symptomatic relief 2. However, the primary concern in this context is the management of asthma symptoms during a URI, for which continuing Symbicort and using albuterol as needed is recommended.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URI) and Asthma Management
- URI is an illness caused by an acute infection by viruses or bacteria of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx, and most URTIs are short, mild, and self-limiting 3.
- The current acute URTI management strategies aim toward symptom alleviation and prevention of URTI virus transmission, and early intervention is highly effective in reducing the chances of developing a full-blown acute URTI 3.
Symbicort and Albuterol Use
- Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) is a combination inhaler used for maintenance and reliever therapy in asthma, and it has been shown to reduce the risk of severe asthma exacerbations compared to conventional regimens 4, 5.
- Albuterol is a short-acting beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist used as a reliever therapy for asthma symptoms.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Symbicort should not be used during a URI, but it is essential to consider the individual's asthma management plan and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Asthma Management During URI
- Patients with poorly controlled asthma may benefit from switching to a single inhaler combination inhaled corticosteroid-formoterol as both maintenance and reliever (SMART) therapy, which has been shown to prolong the time to first severe asthma exacerbation compared to other treatment regimens 5.
- However, the decision to use Symbicort or albuterol only during a URI should be based on the individual's specific asthma management plan and medical history, and it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.